Barcelona's stance on Franck Kessie transfer amid widespread interest

Franck Kessie has emerged as a transfer target for several clubs across Europe following his slow start at Barcelona, but the Blaugrana want to keep the midfielder at Camp Nou, 90min understands.

The Ivory Coast international joined Barcelona on a free transfer over the summer after helping Milan to their first Serie A title in over a decade.

He was one of the Rossoneri's standout players in their Scudetto-winning campaign, but has found game time harder to come by in Spain. While he played in all six of Barcelona's Champions League matches before the World Cup break, he's made just seven appearances so far in La Liga.

90min understands that Tottenham, who have a long-standing interest in Kessie, have made enquiries about the 25-year-old, while Aston Villa, Fulham, Inter and Napoli have also asked about his availability.

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But Barcelona have told Kessie's agents that they have no intention of letting him leave in the January window as it stands as he should see more game time once the club season resumes.

Kessie is having to compete with several midfield stars to get a look in under Xavi, who has often preferred to start the likes of Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Pedri.

Barcelona's season has been disrupted by several injury problems, but they have rarely been suffered by midfielders, hence Kessie's lack of playing time thus far.