A long-running soap opera involving Tijjani Reijnders’ move from AZ Alkmaar to Milan is nearing its conclusion. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says the parties are optimistic about an agreement as they prepare for the final round of talks.
Despite seeing their two opening bids for Reijnders turned down by AZ, Milan won’t leave the negotiating table. Stefano Pioli has earmarked the 24-year-old as an ideal replacement for Sandro Tonali, who left San Siro for Newcastle United earlier this month.
Reijnders ticks all the boxes for the type of midfielder Milan want to recruit. His technical skills and tactical prowess make him a significant upgrade on Pioli’s current options in the engine room. But the Rossoneri have massively struggled to soften AZ’s stance on their prized asset.
Up until now as negotiations seem to be entering the final stages. Milan and AZ have been locked in talks for Reijnders for weeks. However, the player’s desire to join forces with the Serie A powerhouse has finally made the Eredivisie side come around.
Reijnders’ expected arrival may trigger a formation change at San Siro. With Ruben Loftus-Cheek already on the club’s payroll, the Dutchman would be another high-profile midfield alternative. But in order to make the two work together, Pioli may have to drop his favorite 4-2-3-1 set-up.
It remains to be seen how much money Milan will have to spend to acquire Reijnders’ services. Considering their previous €20 million offer fell short of AZ’s valuation, it’s reasonable to imagine it may take another €5m to get the Dutch team’s go-ahead.
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