AC Milan are still in the hunt to sign Leon Goretzka on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, but there is competition to beat.
It was reported by multiple sources last month that Milan are keen on exploring the opportunity to add a midfielder with experience and quality without having to pay a transfer fee, given that Goretzka’s contract expires at the end of the season.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
Igli Tare and Massimiliano Allegri are reported to be big advocates of the move, while waiting for a decision from Luka Modric who currently pulls the strings in the middle of the park. Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.com has given an update on the situation on his YouTube channel.
Goretzka to Milan: Still on?
He states that situation is that no team has yet made a decisive move or substantial progress to agree terms with Goretzka. The German was already close to joining Atletico Madrid in the January window after they presented a significant offer to get him mid-season.
However, it was not taken into consideration because Bayern are not taking any risks and don’t want to be without him. They intend to try and go for the Bundesliga and Champions League double this season, so need everyone available.
Milan are maintaining contacts with RUF, the same agency that look after Niclas Füllkrug’s interests. It remains to be seen if Atletico Madrid – who basically agreed terms with Goretzka in the winter – try to get things over the line in the summer.
There’s also very strong interest from Tottenham and Barcelona, though the latter have not yet made as strong a move. Other teams are likely in the mix as well, while Milan ‘feel they have taken important steps, but not yet decisive’.
They think they can get close to the financial demands of Goretzka but will proceed with caution, and they want to ensure that they will have Champions League football (with the revenues it brings) before going much further.
rabiot level signing this would be
Watched him a lot in the past. Not so convinced about his playing style. If we’re looking for a substitute for Fofana, we need someone who doesn’t commit as many fouls, and, can get goals.
Allegri loves Fofana. Goretzka may come, but not as a replacement for one of Allegri’s starters! which midfielder has been warming Milan’s bench all season. Ricci!