Milan are still interested in acquiring highly-rated Milan midfielder Renato Sanches and talks with his agent Jorge Mendes are progressing. According to Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews), the Rossoneri see the Portuguese star as a long-term replacement for Franck Kessie, who could be on his way out in the summer.
Sanches was linked with a move to the San Siro before the beginning of the season, but the Italians failed to find an agreement with Lille, resulting in the 24-year-old staying put. However, he has wasted his status as an indispensable first-team star at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in the wake of Christophe Galtier’s departure for Nice.
Under the stewardship of new boss Jocelyn Gourvennec, he has made eight Ligue 1 starts this term. After overcoming a muscle injury in the early stage of the season, Sanches is now trying to force his return into the starting line-up.
But the Portugal international could wave goodbye to France in the summer, with Arsenal, Milan, and Wolverhampton in the race to capture his signing. The Rossoneri are in the market for a new midfielder amid growing concerns regarding Kessie’s future at the club.
The Ivorian star, who has less than six months left to run on his current contract, has yet to pledge his future to the San Siro. Despite Milan’s utmost efforts to tie him down to a new deal, Kessie seems keen to secure a lucrative move abroad, with Tottenham Hotspur in pole position to sign him for free at the end of the season.
Kessie’s likely departure will force Paolo Maldini’s hand in the summer, and Sanches appears to be the first-choice replacement. Milan and the Portuguese ace’s agent Jorge Mendes boast a friendly relationship, which could give the Rossoneri the upper hand in a potential transfer tug-of-war come the summer.