Lazar Samardzic’s move to Milan remains on stand-by, but the Serie A runners-up haven’t dropped their interest in the Udinese star. According to Calciomercato, the two clubs will meet again soon to discuss the midfielder’s future after Rossoneri’s initial approach failed to pay dividends
Alongside Monaco’s Yossouf Fofana, Samardzic is the likeliest candidate to reinforce Paulo Fonseca’s midfield this summer. Milan held exploratory talks with Udinese in July, but the parties couldn’t find common ground.
Strapped for cash, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani had hoped to sign the 22-year-old on favorable terms after receiving the player’s approval. Samardzic has turned down offers from Fenerbahce and Lazio to honor his word to Milan.
However, negotiations with Udinese remain complicated. The Friulians would only sell their sought-after playmaker for the right price, having slapped a €20 million tag on the Milan target. Meanwhile, Moncada and Furlani had tried to insert several counterparts to sweeten the deal.
Unfortunately, Udinese showed no interest in Tommaso Pobega and Yacine Adli. But they’re preparing for life after Samardzic, which could give Milan additional hope that they could bring the Serbia international to the Stadio San Siro by August 31.
Udinese and Antwerp have reportedly agreed on a deal for Jurgen Ekkelenkamp to join the Bluenergy Stadium club. He should be Samardzic’s replacement if the former RB Leipzig midfielder does move to Milan.
Milan could raise funds for Samardzic’s arrival from Adli’s transfer to Saudi Arabia. However, the Frenchman is eager to stay despite drawing attention from the Middle East.
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It can be a good acquisition