AC Milan remain in talks with Monaco to try and break down the wall they have put in front of Youssouf Fofana, but they are proving to be tough negotiators.
This morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via PianetaMilan) took stock of the negotiations between Monaco and Milan over Fofana, who is the number one midfield target that the management want to give to Paulo Fonseca.
Milan have so far offered €17m which they believe to be a fair price given that his deal runs out in less than a year. However, the Monegasques club – after an offer of €35m from West Ham arrived – are not willing to sell for that amount.
Fofana did not want to join the London club having already reached an agreement with Milan over a four-year contract at €3m net per season. Some insight was given by Monaco director Thiago Scuro yesterday regarding the stance of the Ligue 1 club.
“I have a good relationship with Fofana, there are no conflicts. There is an agreement between us that dates back to last summer and that he can leave Monaco, but we were clear about the price, the offer must be good for Fofana, but also for us; otherwise he can also stay and leave as a free agent next season,” he said.
Tuttosport add that Milan will have to increase the fixed amount of the bid to €25m, otherwise it seems unlikely he will come. The alternatives are Manu Koné (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Lazar Samardzic (Udinese), even if they are different and more attacking midfielders.