Juventus meet Franck Kessie's agents as Jonathan David exit could unlock deal
Juventus have stepped up their pursuit of Franck Kessie by meeting the midfielder's representatives on Thursday morning as they attempt to move ahead of As Roma in the race for his signature. The former AC Milan midfielder has become one of the Bianconeri's priorities for the closing days of the transfer window, but the financial conditions required to complete the operation remain closely connected to departures from Luciano Spalletti's squad. In particular, Jonathan David's future could prove decisive. Juventus need to create additional room before completing another significant operation and the Canada international is one of the players who could leave Turin.
Juventus hold talks with Kessie's representatives
Juventus met Kessie's agents on Thursday as negotiations over a return to Serie A gathered pace. The Bianconeri have been working on the midfielder for some time, but Roma's entry into the race has increased the need to make progress quickly. Kessie would provide Spalletti with a proven Serie A midfielder capable of adding physical strength, ball-winning ability and runs into the opposition penalty area. He is also a player with extensive experience of Italian football after his spells with Atalanta and Milan, reducing the adaptation period normally associated with a late-window signing.
Jonathan David departure could unlock Kessie move
The main issue for Juventus is not purely sporting. According to Sky Sport Italia, selling Jonathan David would help unlock the Kessie operation from a financial perspective. The Canadian striker is no longer considered untouchable as Juventus assess further changes to their attack. Paris FC have shown concrete interest in David and are exploring the possibility of taking the former Lille striker back to Ligue 1. David joined Juventus on a free transfer in 2025 and is under contract until 2030, meaning a permanent sale would also have a significant positive accounting impact for the Italian club. His departure could therefore solve two problems simultaneously: creating room for another centre-forward and giving Juventus greater flexibility to complete their midfield business.
As Roma ensure Juventus cannot afford to wait
AS Roma's interest adds another dimension to the negotiations. The capital club have moved into the race for Kessie and can offer the midfielder the opportunity to work again with Gian Piero Gasperini, who coached him during his breakthrough at Atalanta. Juventus had been attempting to manage the operation alongside their outgoing business, but the presence of a rival Serie A club increases the risk of waiting too long.
Thursday's meeting with Kessie's representatives is therefore significant: Juventus are no longer merely assessing the possibility of bringing him back to Italy but are actively working on the conditions required to complete the move.
Whether they can do so may now depend partly on how quickly a solution is found for David.
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