Arsenal have landed a boost for their reported interest in Renato Sanches, as the LOSC Lille star’s contract demands are pricing the midfielder out of a proposed transfer to AC Milan.
That’s according to Sport Mediaset, who report the Portuguese is complicating the Serie A side’s efforts to secure his arrival. Stefano Pioli is eager for the San Siro hierarchy to secure reinforcements to his Italian top-flight leading club in all areas of the pitch for next season.
Pioli has marked Sanches as a possible upgrade for his engine room with Franck Kessie out of contract in June. The Ivory Coast ace is also expected to join Barcelona, with Gianluca Di Marzio reporting Kessie has signed a €7m-a-season (£112k-a/w) contract at the Camp Nou.
Sanches is requesting a lesser salary than what Kessie will earn at Barcelona to replace the midfielder at AC Milan. But the Rossoneri believe the Portuguese’s demands for a €6m-a-season (£96k-a/w) deal is excessive. Therefore, negotiations are proving very complicated.
AC Milan already have a deal agreed in principle for Sanches’ transfer with Lille, per But! Football Club. Additionally, 90min report they are confident of signing the 24-year-old for just £15m. But both publications note his ‘wacky’ wage demands are problematic, as well.
Lille ace Renato Sanches wage demand complicating AC Milan move in Arsenal boost
AC Milan are confident of securing Sanches’ transfer for just £15m as the reported Arsenal target is out of contract at Lille next year. But his wage demands will keep the door ajar for Mikel Arteta to rival Pioli and possibly take the 32-cap midfielder to north London, instead.
That’s because Gazzetta dello Sport have noted that the Gunners marked Sanches as their top midfield target for this summer. Arteta is keen to strengthen his engine room in the off-season and admires Sanches, who has five assists and a goal over 27 games this season.
Injuries have restricted the Lisbon native’s availability at times, but he is showing in France the long-touted potential he has. Rui Vitoria hailed his ‘wonderful’ ability whilst at Benfica before joining Bayern Munich. Now, he is due a second chance with a top European outfit.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
