AC Milan were not able to get the signing of Sven Botman over the line despite having worked on the operation for months as Newcastle United have won the race.
MilanNews confirms that Botman was the number one target Milan had for the defence and they kept the negotiation alive with an offer not much lower than that of Newcastle United. However, on Friday evening the Dutchman decided to yield to the pressure of Lille who wanted to accept the higher bid, thus no longer waiting for the Rossoneri to agree terms.
Milan did everything to get him, but Newcastle’s financial package prevailed over a ‘fascinating’ project that Milan had put forward since December. It is a lesson on the market that ultimately money must back up statements of intent.
Now the management will turn to other options such as Francesco Acerbi to bolster a defensive department where the renewal of Pierre Kalulu (with a well earned pay rise) will also be important.
