Canada star Ismael Kone set for €35m Christian Pulisic link-up

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Kone will have his pick of Italian giants this summer, and he could link up with Christian Pulisic at AC Milan.

The Canada international has firmly put his disappointing spell at Marseille behind him. Kone joined side Sassuolo last summer after falling out with Roberto de Zerbi, ironically the promoted Serie A side's former coach.

Kone had initially moved from Watford to Marseille for a fee in excess of €12 million, but he did not get along with the Italian, who described him as not being good enough to play for the Ligue 1 outfit. He only made eight appearances for OM.

After being sent out on loan to Sassuolo last summer, Marseille even released footage of a training ground altercation between Kone and De Zerbi, with the latter telling the midfielder to call his agent, insinuating that he wanted him gone.

His loan deal, which became permanent for €10m in February, has been a sensational success. Kone has massively impressed at Sassuolo and is likely to be sold on for significant profit this summer.

Kone could join Milan

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Abidjan-born midfielder has a €35m release clause in his Sassuolo contract. This clause can be triggered until the end of July.

Conjecture over the former CF Montreal star's future has been rampant in Italy for several weeks. Some of the biggest clubs in Serie A are keeping tabs on him, and AC Milan director Igli Tare has now seemingly confirmed that there is interest from the Rossoneri.

"He's definitely a player who had an excellent season with Sassuolo, like the entire team," Tare said. "He's a player with certain characteristics and also knows the high levels, having played some important matches in France. He could become a key player for Sassuolo."

Romano states that discussions over Kone's future are set to begin even before he embarks on a World Cup adventure on home soil. This isn't totally surprising because good performances for Canada will only increase his price.

It is doubtful that Milan would be willing to trigger his release clause, given that they shelled out €36m on midfielder Ardon Jashari last year. He has been a hugely disappointing signing, and the Rossoneri will likely be somewhat restricted in the midfielder market as a result.

Sassuolo will be less willing to accept a reduced fee for Kone if he stars for Canada, so it makes sense to try and get a deal done as early as possible. If Milan can reach an agreement, we could soon see him alongside USMNT star Christian Pulisic.

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