AC Milan have not yet given up on signing midfielder André from Corinthians, according to a report coming out of Brazil.
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As several sources reported last week, Milan thought they had tied up a deal worth €17m (€15m fixed, plus €2m in bonuses) for the 70% stake that Corinthians hold in André. However, their president Osmar Stabile opted not to sign off on it, despite several directors having already signed their bit.
Milan not giving up
According to ESPN sources, the Rossoneri management have ‘cooled down’ on the possibility of going to FIFA to try ‘force’ the transfer to be finalised. They have indicated to Corinthians that they will return with a new proposal to try to definitively secure the signing of the teenager.
The Brazilian club for their part have stressed that they will only resume negotiations if an offer of €22m is made for its share of the player. Internally, there are doubts as to whether the Rossoneri will reach that amount.
While in talks with Milan, Corinthians are also working behind the scenes to improve the midfielder’s situation. The São Paulo club are working to increase his salary, partly as a way to try and keep him in Brazilian football for longer.
The ‘André issue’ has become a major internal debate topic at Corinthians, with different factions within the board of directors both for and against the sale. Among the players and coaching staff, the consensus is that the young star should remain. Coach Dorival Júnior and striker Memphis Depay have publicly stated this.
Among the club officials who oppose the sale, the argument is that the midfielder’s value could increase even more in the coming months, and the goal should be to surpass the biggest sale in the club’s history (Gabriel Moscardo to PSG).
While awaiting the definition of his future, André made it clear that he will not force a sale from Corinthians (by submitting a transfer request or going on strike). This is what made Milan practically give up on taking the matter to FIFA, since that would also have to be the player’s wish.