Chelsea are pushing to convince Atalanta to part with in-demand midfielder Franck Kessie, according to Sky Italia.
Kessie has been linked with a clutch of Premier League sides, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur even reported to have lodged bids for the defensively minded midfielder.
Chelsea want Kessie too and are putting in the legwork on a potential deal, though they face a tough task convincing Atalanta to sell this month.
The Italian club do not want to part with Kessie until the summer and are currently resisting Chelsea's attempts to sign the Ivory Coast international.
Kessie has been turning heads with his performances in Serie A and he could boost his stock still further at the Africa Cup of Nations, having been included in the Ivory Coast's squad for the tournament.
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Still just 20 years old, Kessie has made 17 appearances in all competitions for Atalanta in the current campaign, chipping in with seven goals in the process.
Atalanta are enjoying a superb season and sit in sixth spot in Serie A, another reason the club are reluctant to lose Kessie.
The midfielder is under contract with the Italian side until 2021.
