Milan are confident of signing Lille duo Renato Sanches and Sven Botman, according to new reports. They have long been linked with a move to the Rossoneri ranks, but the French champions have so far been reluctant to see two of their best players leave.
When quizzed about Botman’s potential in the winter market, club president Olivier Letang stated in January: “We had enquiries last summer for Sven but we were clear in saying that we needed Sven this season. We had a run in the Champions League and we managed to finish first in our group. We have big objectives for the end of the season so Sven will stay with us until the end of the season to help us achieve these objectives.”
Lille are currently hoping to maintain their momentum after winning the domestic league title last campaign, as they lag behind in 6th position in France. And one of their hopes of making back to Europe is by reversing a 2-0 first leg deficit in the UEFA Champions League last 16 against Chelsea in the midweek clash.
The title holders still have a chance to finish in the top four, but are in the midst of one of the tightest battles for European spots across the continent’s top five leagues.
Nevertheless, Milan are closing in on a €47.5m deal for both Sanches (€17.8m) and Botman (€29.7m) combined, as revealed by 90min. They have contracts expiring in 2023 and 2025 respectively. Both the players are said to be convinced of a San Siro move, mainly due technical director Paolo Maldini’s plans for the future.
Dutch U21 international Botman was also closely linked to Newcastle United, but the Magpies ended up signing defender Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion, leaving the Rossoneri leading in the race to sign him.
The 22-year-old is seen as the perfect replacement for Simon Kjaer – who is suffering from a long-term injury, and Alessio Romagnoli – who is bound to leave for Lazio at the end of the season.
24-year-old Sanches on the other hand, is expected to take over Franck Kessie’s position. The Rossoneri central midfielder has long been at loggerheads with Milan’s management regarding a contract renewal deal due to his wage demands.
The Benfica youth product has also been on the sights of Arsenal and Liverpool.