AC Milan will meet Jorge Mendes to discuss a transfer for reported Arsenal target Renato Sanches as Lille have set a prohibitive asking price for the San Siro side, per Calciomercato.
The Rossoneri are examining the possibility of taking Sanches to the Serie A next year with Franck Kessie destined to leave. The Ivorian is out of contract in June and unlikely to renew.
Milan have admired Sanches for many years and have missed out on securing his services twice before. With the midfielder favouring Bayern Munich in 2016 and Swansea in 2017.
Sanches now wants to re-join an elite club after re-establishing his potential at Lille and in the Portugal squad. And while the Rossoneri hierarchy has changed, the club remain keen.
But despite the 24-year-old’s contract at the Stade Pierre Mauroy expiring in 2023, Lille’s valuation exceeds Milan’s budget. So, the San Siro side will rely on Mendes’ mediation to take the 32-cap international to Italy, and will soon meet the super-agent to discuss a deal.
Milan already have a meeting with Mendes scheduled to discuss Rafael Leao’s situation at the club. And will use the summit to see what discount he can get from Lille next summer.
Arsenal explored a transfer for Sanches this summer, but Lille snubbed the Gunners’ €35m (£29.5m) bid, per Gazzetta dello Sport. They remain keen, however, with Le10 Sport noting Mikel Arteta’s side could make a new offer in the coming weeks.
Mendes could be key in Arsenal or Milan transfer for Lille star Sanches
Le10 Sport also note Arsenal have alerted Sanches, Mendes and Lille to their interest in a potential transfer. But they may have to up their offer from the summer to secure a deal.
Arteta convincing the Gunners hierarchy to do so would position the Emirates Stadium side well to edge out Milan’s interest. Yet it remains to be seen what role Mendes has to play.
The super-agent may favour pursuing a move to the San Siro, where Stefano Pioli’s side are in the Champions League and competing for the Serie A title. Which may also appeal to Sanches, as he targets a return to an elite club following his Bayern Munich struggles.
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