Milan will reportedly have to present a new proposal to sign up-and-coming left-back Riccardo Calafiori from Basel. According to Sky Italia’s last update, the parties remain locked in talks for the Italian’s return to Serie A. But negotiations have reached an impasse.
Though recent reports have suggested Calafiori’s move to Milan is a done deal, it’s not a foregone conclusion by any stretch of the imagination. The Rossoneri had hoped to land the 21-year-old on loan with an option to buy. However, Basel won’t let that happen.
While the Swiss giants are open to offloading the Roma youth academy graduate, they want that to be on their terms. They’d let Calafirio join Milan on loan, but only if the Italians agree to include a mandatory buyout clause. The only other option is an outright purchase.
But neither formula suits Milan. Stefano Pioli’s men have identified Calafiori as a replacement for outgoing Fode Ballo-Toure. They’ve yet to get rid of the 26-year-old, though it’s only a matter of time. Yet they won’t pursue the Basel starlet before the Senegalese defender leaves.
After signing as many as eight new players this summer, Milan must sell numerous fringe first-team stars to balance the books. The departures are necessary to make room for the newcomers. And Ballo-Toure is among the first names on the chopping block.
Calafiori is eager to link up with Milan. Though he’ll come to play second fiddle to Theo Hernandez, he is willing to continue his career at San Siro.
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