Chelsea Transfer News: Franck Kessie 'Sold to Roma' Amid Premier League Rumours

Chelsea look to have been beaten in the race to sign Franck Kessie after a team-mate of the Atalanta star claimed the midfielder had been "sold to Roma." 

Kessie has been targeted by a host of top clubs around Europe, and club captain Alejandro Gomez said he believed a deal had been struck with their Serie A rivals.

Speaking to Radio Closs Continental (h/t Football Italia), Gomez said: "I think they've sold him to Roma. But he'll stay with Atalanta for another year."

Per Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia), Chelsea boss Antonio Conte previously saw a €25 million (£21.6 million) bid rejected for the young midfielder, who has also been linked with other Premier League clubs.

As noted by Calciomercato.com (h/t James Whaling of the Mirror), Kessie's agent George Atangana said: "We have a lot of interest from the Premier League. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal."

If Gomez's claims are correct, the English sides will have missed out on a player with real potential to become a world-class performer.

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The Ivory Coast international has a tenacious approach to the game and has been a leading figure in Atalanta's rise to sixth in Serie A. His return of six goals has complemented his energetic displays this season.

Chelsea in particular were keen on Kessie as they attempted to add more energy and athleticism to their midfield, per Matt Law of the Telegraph.

A dynamic, box-to-box midfielder, Kessie only turned 20 years old in December and has already racked up 15 caps for his country.

He has been dubbed the "new Yaya Toure," as noted by Ian Tuckey of The Sun. And his raw strength and speed appear to make him the ideal midfielder for the modern game and one potentially in the mould of the Manchester City star.

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Kessie is quick-footed and has a high technical standard that allows him to make the Atalanta side tick. Composed on the ball, the youngster also enjoys shooting from distance and provides a real threat from outside the box.

Indeed, should there still be the chance for Kessie to move to England, his style appears to suggest he would be comfortable with the physical, combative nature of life in the top division.

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Chelsea and their fellow Premier League teams' loss would be AS Roma's gain as Kessie looks to possess all the necessary attributes to become a key player for the team.

His reported arrival, albeit after spending another year at Atalanta, is likely to prove a huge boost to manager Luciano Spalletti as he bids to lead the Giallorossi to the top honours in Italy.