Reported Everton and Tottenham Hotspur target Gianluigi Donnarumma is ‘the best goalkeeper in the world’, according to AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini in comments reported by Goal.
While the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Manuel Neuer and Alisson Becker might have something to say about that, this 21-year-old giant has already achieved more in his short career than some do in a lifetime.
Remarkably, Donnarumma will reach 200 appearances for the seven-time European champions before he turns 22, having established himself as one of the first names on AC Milan’s team sheet at an age where most teenagers are cramming for their GCSEs.
But, not for the first time and probably not for the last, Donnarumma’s future at the San Siro is coming into question.
Everton have already been linked with a £23 million swoop, via Gazzetta dello Sport in March, with the Italy international set to become a free agent next summer.
Jose Mourinho’s Spurs also approached Donnarumma to enquire about a potential move to North London, Milan News reported last month.
Though Maldini, seven-time Serie A champion turned technical director, will do everything to ensure that Donnarumma puts pen to paper on a new contract at the San Siro.
“It is certainly Milan’s duty to try and keep hold of an important player like Gigio, for what he represents as a symbol, a player who came up through our youth academy,” Maldini said after the 16-cap keeper kept a clean sheet during a 2-0 victory over Roma.
“In my humble opinion, he is the best goalkeeper in the world.”
Donnarumma was not exactly enamoured by the chance to join Tottenham in the upcoming transfer market, with Milan News suggesting that he will turn down the chance to join the 2019 Champions League finalists.
But given Carlo Ancelotti’s legendary status in Italy but Milan, Everton can still dream of replacing the ever-erratic Jordan Pickford with a generational great at Goodison Park.
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