Rumour Reel: Blues bid for Atalanta star Kessie, Allardyce aims for Gibbs at Palace
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Coral’s rumour reel
With the January transfer window just days from opening, Premier League managers are hurriedly aiming to sort some business ahead of what will be a frantic month of activity as usual.
This includes Chelsea and Crystal Palace, with both clubs looking to add players to their respective squads in the coming weeks.
So read on to find out who is going where in Coral’s rumour reel for December 28th…
Chelsea bid for Kessie
Having been previously linked with a switch to Tottenham or Manchester City, highly rated Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie is now being tipped to arrive at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea in the January market.
The Blues are reportedly closing in on his signing in the next few weeks, after making a £21.3m bid to his current Serie A club in the hope of prising him away.
At just 20 years of age, Kessie has become a highly sought after midfield prospect following his superb showings in Italy. Having recorded 10 international caps for the Ivory Coast, he has also been likened to Manchester City’s four-time African Player of the Year winner Yay Toure.
With a number of clubs still circling for his services, Antonio Conte will be keen to wrap up a deal swiftly for Kessie and bolster his Blues outfit for their title charge.
Allardyce aims for Gibbs at Palace
After recently taking up the reins at Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace, short-lived former England boss Sam Allardyce is aiming to acquire his maiden signing.
‘Big Sam’ has reportedly outlined Arsenal full back Kieran Gibbs as a potential target, with the England international having fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates this season.
The Eagles are in dire need of a left back, with Gibbs having reportedly been on former coach Alan Pardew’s radar before his recent sacking, and Allardyce will look to complete a deal to ease his defensive problems.
Gibbs holds just a further 18 months on his current contract with the Gunners and boss Arsene Wenger is fully aware that his value is dropping with each passing month, so the Frenchman looks likely of offloading him sooner rather than later.
