Frank Kessie: Roma cool interest as Juventus step up chase for Ivory Coast star

Juventus are in advanced talks to sign Ivory Coast midfielder Frank Kessie on a free transfer – while Roma, despite recent speculation, have no plans to enter the race for the former AC Milan player.

The 27-year-old, who impressed during the 2026 World Cup, has attracted fresh attention over a possible return to Serie A after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli earlier this month.

However, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla has reported that Roma are not preparing any move for Kessie, even after losing out to Juventus in the battle to sign Turkish right-back Zeki Celik – a deal that had been widely expected to go the Giallorossi’s way.

Roma distance themselves from Kessie move

Pedulla says there are currently “no signs” that Roma will attempt to bring Kessie back to Italy, despite the renewed interest generated by his World Cup performances.

According to the reporter, no talks have taken place between Roma and Kessie’s representatives – and none are expected.

Roma are said to be concentrating their transfer efforts on strengthening other areas of the squad, with attacking reinforcements seen as the priority rather than adding another central midfielder.

Kessie’s name had been repeatedly linked with Roma in recent months, partly because of Frederic Massara, the club’s former sporting director. Massara previously worked with Kessie at AC Milan and is known to be a strong admirer of the Ivorian’s qualities.

Massara now pushing Kessie towards Juventus

Any potential Roma advantage via Massara has now disappeared. Late last month he was appointed Juventus’ chief executive for football, and Pedulla reports that his focus is firmly on taking Kessie to Turin.

Commenting on the negotiations between Juventus and the player, Pedulla said: “رغم الدبلوماسية ومحاولات التمويه المعتادة، فان اهتمام يوفنتوس، كما سبق ان ذكرت، لا يزال قايما”.

The midfielder, now a free agent following his departure from Al-Ahli, is asking for a salary of €6m per year plus bonuses.

Juventus’ offer is believed to be around €2m less than that figure, but Pedulla suggests a compromise is likely to be found, with both parties keen to reach an agreement.

Juventus negotiation ‘only game in town’

At this stage, Kessie’s camp are in talks solely with Juventus.

“In الوقت الحالي، يتفاوض وكلاء اللاعب الايفواري مع يوفنتوس فقط، كما ان مستوى القناعة باتمام الصفقة مرتفع”، Pedulla reported, indicating that optimism is growing in Turin that the deal will be completed.

If he joins Juve, Kessie would return to a league where he previously made his name with standout spells at Atalanta and AC Milan, winning the Serie A title with the Rossoneri in 2021-22 before moving to Barcelona and later Al-Ahli.

Al-Ahli confirm Kessie exit

Kessie’s availability was confirmed at the start of this month when Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli officially announced his departure.

The club stated that the Ivorian international was leaving after three years with the Asian champions, making him one of the most high-profile free agents on the market.

With Roma stepping back and Massara now driving Juventus’ interest, the Bianconeri appear in pole position to secure a deal – one that would not only bolster their midfield but also represent a symbolic blow to a traditional Serie A rival.