Franck Kessie has been heavily linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, but Atalanta team-mate Alejandro Gomez believes a deal has already been struck with Roma.
The Ivory Coast international has become one of the most sought-after talents in Europe on the back of his exploits in Serie A.
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Still only 20 years of age, the energetic midfielder is considered to be a hot prospect for the present and future.
His potential sparked plenty of transfer talk ahead of the winter window, with the likes of Liverpool and Juventus credited with holding an interest in his services.
Roma were also in the mix, but no deal was done before the deadline passed.
Kessie’s agent suggested at the time that no move ever came close to completion, but his captain at Atalanta feels an agreement has been reached that will eventually take the youngster to Stadio Olimpico.
Gomez told Radio Closs Continental: “I think they’ve sold him to Roma.
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“But he’ll stay with Atalanta for another year.”
Kessie has netted six times for Atalanta across all competitions this season, and has been welcomed back into the fold over recent weeks following his participation at the Africa Cup of Nations.