Hakan Calhanoglu has been a very important player for Milan in the last year or so, but his contract with the club will expire in the summer. Despite extensive negotiations, the parties are yet to reach an agreement.
According to Calciomercato.com, the Rossoneri had taken steps forwards in the renewal talks but they have once again been put on standby. It’s certainly not over, but a total agreement simply hasn’t been reached just yet.
In the meantime, Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are working on a plan B if the talks don’t lead to anything. In recent months, they have had direct contact with Hellas Verona over Mattia Zaccagni, expressing their interest in the attacking midfielder.
They also let the Bentegodi side that they are willing to present an offer, especially if the renewal talks with Calhanoglu don’t pan out. Napoli remain in pole position, though, having started talks back in January on the basis of a €15m price tag.
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A backup, an alternative? Milan need Zaccagni regardless of Cahlanoglu’s status. He builds play from both central attacking and wide positions and fights for the ball with intensity and craft. $15 M is a steal! Sell Leao and Castillejo to buy more players like Zaccagni (whom you dread seeing Milan play against because of their quality and tenacity).