Youssouf Fofana has his mind set on joining AC Milan this summer, not even willing to consider another destination. This was reported by today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, stating that the move could be postponed to next year.
The pink newspaper has taken stock of the situation (see photo below), considering just how tiring the negotiations have been between Milan and Monaco. The stalemate remains regarding the offer and demand, and Fofana’s will hasn’t changed either.
In fact, Fofana has told Milan – through his entourage – that he’s ready to decline a potential offer from Manchester United after first rejecting West Ham. The Old Trafford side probed the ground with Monaco but are yet to speak with the player, more keen on signing Manuel Ugarte anyway.
Called up or not?
Fofana returned to the Monaco training ground on August 1, following his post-Euros vacation, and he has trained separately from his teammates. This is a clear signal of the situation but, having said that, he could still be called up for the Barcelona friendly tomorrow.
Milan are following the situation from a distance with great interest, knowing that an exclusion from the squad would help their case. Then again, an agreement has already been reached with the player over a four-year contract and there is no doubt on his end.
Monaco remain a tough nut to crack but at €25m, the deal could probably be closed, though Milan believe this is too much still.
The offer and demand
Milan have put an offer of €20m on the table, which is an important figure in their eyes given that the player’s contract expires in 2025. The RedBird-owned club doesn’t intend to go any higher and certainly not close to Monaco’s valuation of €30m.
The tug-of-war remains, as stated, but it’s also a situation that could be unlocked any day. Perhaps on Thursday when Monaco will present their new signing Lamine Camara, given that he was signed to reinforce the midfield.
On that occasion, Monaco’s director Thiago Scuro will also speak and he will surely be asked about the Fofana-Milan links.
Cardoso and Kone
Milan have identified Johnny Cardoso and Manu Kone as alternatives to Fofana, seeing as a midfielder is needed this summer. Especially if you consider that Yacine Adli has an important offer in Qatar, while Ismael Bennacer has expressed a desire to play in Saudi Arabia.
The Rossoneri have already probed the ground for both of these and the price tags are set at €20m each. In other words, they could postpone Fofana’s arrival until the summer of 2025 and change the IBAN of the €20m offer that has been put on the table…
