AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has suggested that Franck Kessie is very much willing to extend his stay at the club amid rumours that talks are on over a new deal.
Kessie has become a true leader for Milan over the last few months, forming a fearsome double pivot in midfield alongside Ismael Bennacer and reaching a level of consistency with his performances that has not been seen yet in his career.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanLive) reported recently that Milan are taking steps to secure the renewal of Kessie, whose current contract is set to expire in June 2022.
However, Calciomercato.it added yesterday that Kessie is highly regarded in England, with Arsenal and Spurs believing he has the perfect characteristics for the Premier League, though a bid of €40-50million may not even be enough.
Maldini spoke to Tuttosport about the 23-year-old and began by discussing the tensions between him and Pioli at the beginning, but seemingly also revealing his desire to stay.
“As a player and captain I was uncompromising, but many of my footballing certainties in these two and a half years as a manager have been demolished,” he said (via MilanNews).
“I talk about how to build a team and how to manage it. Sometimes a caress is needed, sometimes we need more than a reproach, we are not all the same. I have learned that in recent months.
“Franck has shown his love for Milan. He wants to bring this club back to the top, like so many others here in the club.”
