Fabio Paratici remained coy when asked to provide an update on Juventus’ interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The 22-year-old’s contract at the San Siro is hanging by a thread, with a host of Europe’s top clubs monitoring the situation with great attention.
Donnarumma is out of contract in the summer as the Rossoneri work around the clock to tie him down to a new deal. However, the player’s agent Mino Raiola continues to play hardball on his client’s extension.
While Milan seem ready to increase the keeper’s salary to €8million net per year, the super-agent continues to push for at least €12m. Known as a stubborn negotiator, Raiola is throwing a spanner in the works to Paolo Maldini’s attempt to keep his client in Lombardy.
Donnarumma’s wage demands are a stumbling block, the Rossoneri have been unable to overcome so far. In all likelihood, the seven-time Champions League winners will have to rely on a new shot-stopper next season.
One of the sides ready to take advantage of the Italian’s contractual wobble is Juventus. The Bianconeri are in the market for a new keeper to replace underperforming Wojciech Szczesny, with Gianluigi Buffon ready to hang up his gloves.
Widely regarded as Buffon’s successor in the Italy national team, Donnarumma perfectly fits the profile. MilanLive even revealed the details of Juventus’ contractual proposition, claiming the Turin giants have approached the youngster with a five-year offer worth €10million per season.
However, Bianconeri chief Paratici has refused to either confirm or deny his club’s interest in one of the most sought-after keepers in Europe.
“The rumors of the transfer market are there for many players, the transfer market lasts all year. We have lived them normally.
“There are rumors as for all the other players, and there are also for Donnarumma. He is a good player, for Milan, we are focused on the game,” he said, as quoted by MilanNews.