AC Milan are now working with confidence in their attempt to agree a transfer for Lille star Renato Sanches after fresh contact with the reported Arsenal target’s agent, Jorge Mendes.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report the Serie A side are increasingly confident of signing the midfielder this summer. The Rossoneri are eager to add Sanches to their engine room and discussions with Mendes over the Portuguese joining have so far been positive.
Boss Stefano Pioli is in the market for new options this off-season with Franck Kessie out of contract in June. The Ivory Coast dynamo also has interest from England and Spain, with La Repubblica adding Pioli is concerned with him also chasing a €6m-a-year (£96k-a/w) salary.
AC Milan, therefore, hope to acquire Sanches from Lille so Pioli is not weaker next season if Kessie does go. The San Siro hierarchy also believe they can sign the 24-year-old for €20m (£16.5m) amid constant talks with Mendes. Sanches is currently out of contract next year.
AC Milan to deal Arsenal transfer blow with plans for Lille star Sanches
AC Milan’s confidence bearing fruit this summer could deal a big blow to Arsenal’s transfer plans, amid their ongoing interest in a move to bring Lille’s Sanches to the Premier League.
The Gunners are likely to maintain an interest in the 32-cap international over the coming months, per Fabrizio Romano. Mikel Arteta’s side were among Sanches’ suitors during the January window, but did not open formal talks with Les Dogues or Mendes over any deal.
Arsenal Technical Director Edu had formulated a plan he hoped would see Lille sell Sanches in the January transfer window. Calciomercato reported back in November he was looking to sell Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Bernd Leno to fund a €55m (£46m) swoop.
All three ultimately stayed in north London and Sanches remained in France. The midfielder – who Carlo Ancelotti previously called ‘amazing’ – also played his 21st game of the season so far on Friday as an 81st-minute substitute during a goalless Ligue 1 draw with FC Metz.
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