Milan News journalist Pietro Mazzara has spoken about many topics concerning the AC Milan club, including renewals and transfer market windows.
Here are his statements:
"Maldini and Massara renewals? The renewal will be made by 30 June, as well as that of many AC Milan employees from all areas of the club who will see their contract expire at the end of the month. There is no doubt that the managers of the technical area go ahead with their work as the frequent contacts for the transfer market are showing. The contracts with the club will be managed by Elliott with a shared opinion with Gerry Cardinale. Until the closing (of the purchase of the club), in fact, Elliott will have the power to sign."
On Sven Botman:
"Botman has promised himself to Milan and he wants Milan. At Newcastle, just like in January, he doesn't want to go. There is no doubt from this point of view. He is the one chosen by Maldini and Massara who keep their contacts with his entourage very lively and have not withdrawn from the Lille table the proposal of 30 million in total for the Dutch central defender. If Newcastle were to withdraw from the race for Botman, who has already told Lille he does not want to stay, then there would be an acceleration with Milan but until the English, who offer 15 million more for the card, they will not make it."
Is Gleison Bremer the alternative for Sven Botman at AC Milan?
"Yes, Bremer is the second option for Milan. Because he is seen as a defender with characteristics already present in the squad. This does not mean that there is no appreciation, on the contrary, but Milan prefer to try until the end for Botman due to technical reasons. Should the Dutchman not arrive, then they also can choose to go for another option and keep Kalulu as the starter. The latter is negotiating the renewal of the contract from the 400 thousand euros currently received to at least 2 million euros."
On Charles De Ketelaere:
"He is the absolute favourite of Maldini and Massara, more than Niccolò Zaniolo. Only one can arrive because both together is impossible for economic reasons. Club Brugge had started with a request of 40 million, which seems to have dropped to around 35 bonuses included. AC Milan would like to allocate a total of thirty million to the operation. The player has already said yes to the Rossoneri and he is not affected by the interest of Leicester city."
Will there be a strong right-winger joining to AC Milan?
"The focus of the management is also on that role: Noa Lang who is also from Club Brugge is liked for his technical skills and bravado. But, there are his statements to the press which may be leading the club a little further... Marco Asensio would be the ideal and the possible intertwining with Jorge Mendes for the Leao and Renato Sanches issues could help, but Milan, as they think at the moment, can make only one sacrifice in terms of salary and the goal is to renew the contract with Rafael Leao."
When will Renato Sanches arrive?
"A lot will depend on Lille. What is certain is that if the operation is finalized by the end of June, as the player is not engaged with the Portuguese national team, we could already see him at the July 4th meeting (the pre-season preparation start). His arrival to date is not in the least in question. The operation is now defined, the last details are missing and then the green lights will arrive for the medical exams."
On Divock Origi and if he will arrive as the first striker:
"Not today. The arrival of Origi, whose medical examinations are expected by the end of the month, gives Pioli an important second striker to work alongside Olivier Giroud. In addition, there could be the renewal of Ibrahimovic and, if necessary, deploying Ante Rebic as a striker. It is difficult to think of a further investment there."
Will Junior Messias be signed by AC Milan on a permanent transfer?
"Fluid and open conversations with the Crotone. The aim is to lower the 5.2 million figure agreed last summer, exactly as was done with Roma for Florenzi. He should remain and only if Milan take another right-winger will it be understood if there will be other movements for the exits. In that case, in addition to Castillejo, it could be Saelemaekers going out, but it is not even said."
About the contract renewals being 'frozen' now:
"Definitive agreements must be found. Starting with Rafa Leao, we can say that the Portuguese wants to take the same money as Vlahovic does with Juventus, a 7 million euros against a first proposal from Milan at 4.5 million euros which is set to go up.He is the player on which Milan should make the sacrifice to break the wage ceiling wall and secure it further. Ismael Bennacer had asked for time after finding the basic agreement in the spring. The reason? The new property as so many players thought they could get more money with a new owner. New updates between the parties at the end of the month. For Kalulu, as mentioned above, the goal is to renew and significantly raise the salary."
Will AC Milan be building a stadium alone or share one with Inter?
"Gerry Cardinale and Elliott want to make the Milan stadium. The first project that is unlocked, between San Siro and Sesto San Giovanni (here we have to wait for the elections results with the current mayor Roberto Di Stefano in the lead) will be taken into consideration. The latest leaked indiscretions are those of a greater preference towards Sesto San Giovanni area, due to the timing of implementation that would take place on a private area which requires much less bureaucracy. If Inter have the economic strength to support the project, then we can go on together."
