Reigning Serie A champions Milan have taken an interest in wantaway Borussia Dortmund prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko amid an ongoing pursuit of Olivier Giroud’s long-term successor. However, sources in Italy have identified two major reasons the Rossoneri would be unable to get the deal over the line.
Giroud has been nothing short of outstanding since swapping Chelsea for Milan in the summer of 2021. The veteran striker had an immediate impact, helping Stefano Pioli’s men win their first Serie A title since 2010/11 in his first season at the San Siro. And he’s refused to rest on their laurels.
The Frenchman has continued to carry the goalscoring burden in 2022/23. His scoring exploits and significance in the dressing room have earned him a new contract that would tie him down to Milan until 2024. However, the Italians need a more sustainable solution. That’s where Moukoko comes into play.
Widely regarded as a generational talent, the 18-year-old forward caught the eye during his stellar time at Dortmund’s youth ranks. He is now an established first-team star at Signal Iduna Park. Though he has yet to nail down a place in Edin Terzic’s starting XI, he has tallied six goals and as many assists in 22 appearances for Die Borussen this term.
Moukoko’s sublime form has turned him into one of the most sought-after youngsters in European football. Among the sides keen on luring him away from Dortmund are Milan. The teenage sensation of Cameroonian origin has turned down the Bundesliga club’s bid to extend his contract.
Aware of his potential, Moukoko demands around €6-7m net per season to commit his future to Dortmund. However, the Germans are reluctant to go beyond half of that figure, which could see the in-demand forward leave for free in the summer. Milan are ready to pounce, but their financial problems are a sticking point.
It’s understood they would put forward those figures only to convince Rafael Leao to renew. And while that’s the first reason, the second one is Milan would have to overcome stiff competition from European heavyweights such as Barcelona and Real Madrid. It’s hard to see them go toe-to-toe with La Liga powerhouses in today’s market.