AC Milan are reportedly edging closer to confirming the signing of Mike Maignan from Lille, with Gianluigi Donnarumma seemingly set to leave the Rossoneri.
Donnarumma’s current contract with Milan is set to expire next month, and there has been no suggestion as of yet that a renewal is imminent for the 22-year-old.
READ MORE: Five key talking points as Milan return to Champions League after Atalanta win
Having secured a return to the Champions League on Sunday night, it was expected that could make a significant difference in negotiations, but it seems Milan are pressing ahead with plans to replace him.
As noted by Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo in his tweet, it was suggested that an announcement on signing Maignan could arrive in a matter of days, while there was ‘little chance’ of Donnarumma signing a contract renewal with us.
It appears as though that is accurate as the French goalkeeper was seen arriving in Milan late on Monday, as seen in the tweet below, and he now looks set to undergo his medical and put pen to paper to agree to join us from Lille.
🔴 ESCLUSIVA 🔴#Milan, l'arrivo di Mike #Maignan a #Linate
📹 @luca_cilli #Sportitalia #Sportitaliamercato pic.twitter.com/6zNBOfPeya
— Sportitalia (@tvdellosport) May 24, 2021
It’s an incredible turn of events with Donnarumma now seemingly set to leave on a free transfer this summer, and that in itself is a major disappointment.
The shot-stopper has made 251 appearances for Milan to date, establishing himself as a fundamental figure in the side and a potential symbol of the club for years to come.
Instead, controversy over his contract continues to be a problem and a reoccurring theme, and it looks as though the Milan management have decided to stand firm on this occasion and move on.
Ultimately, no player is bigger than the club, and so despite how talented he is and how attached he might be to Milan, if neither he nor his agent are willing to compromise and agree to Milan’s best contract offer, then so be it.
Maignan, 25, has made 180 appearances for Lille, conceding 195 goals while keeping 65 clean sheets.
He made his debut for France last year, and he leaves his homeland as a Ligue 1 champion with Lille winning the title at the weekend, having boasted the best defensive record in the top flight.
