CHELSEA are set to lose out to Roma for highly-rated Atalanta star Franck Kessie.
The Blues were in poll position to complete a £28million deal for the midfielder dubbed the ‘next Yaya Toure’.
Franck Kessie looks set to reject a move to Chelsea and sign for Roma Getty Images But Serie A rivals Roma swooped in with a late offer and looked to have pipped Antonio Conte’s side to his signature.
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The 20-year-old will spend the rest of the season at Atalanta before switching allegiances in the summer.
Kessie has been closely monitored by a host of Premier League giants according to his agent George Atangana.
Back in December, he said: “We have a lot of interest from the Premier League – Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.
“I cannot say at this stage how much he will cost but we are talking about one of the best young players in the world.”
Chelsea and PSG previously launched a £21m bid for Kessie which was rejected as they believed their star man would only get stronger and therefore be worth more.
Chelsea had a £21m bid for Franck Kessie rejected before returning with an improved £28m offer Getty Images
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Antonio Conte will need to look elsewhere if he is to improve his squad this month or in the summer Reuters In September, SunSport dubbed him one of the five hottest prospects to watch out for in Serie A this season.
He only turned 20 last month and this is his debut Serie A season, contributing seven goals and two assists in 17 competitive games after joining Atalanta in 2015.
He has been dubbed as the “new Yaya Toure” because of his ability to provide box-to-box powerhouse performances and an eye for goal.
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