A new name has emerged from Germany for Milan’s attacking midfield options: Said El Mala, the 2006-born player from FC Köln. Borussia Dortmund have been strongly interested in him for some time and have been negotiating for several weeks, but have yet to make a decisive move. According to German outlet Express, Dortmund’s hesitation could benefit other clubs interested in the young attacking midfielder, including Milan, who are lying in wait and ready to make their move should the negotiations between FC Köln and Dortmund fail to reach an agreement.
Dortmund interested in El Mala but yet to close deal – FC Köln want €50 million
Dortmund have been working on the deal for weeks, having already made a major attacking signing with Karetsas, but they have so far failed to offer the amount demanded by FC Köln, namely around €50 million. The Borussia’s proposals have been significantly lower, to the point that FC Köln CEO Thomas Kessler is reportedly frustrated by the offers, which have even been described as “ridiculous”.
The FC Köln executive has an agreement with El Mala that he will not block the player’s departure if Dortmund put the €50 million demanded by the club on the table. The young German talent is very interested in joining Dortmund, but he does not intend to force a move, as he nevertheless feels at home at FC Köln.
Milan monitoring the situation: Rossoneri ready to move if El Mala does not join Dortmund
Dortmund’s hesitation, with the club yet to make a decisive approach, has not gone unnoticed by the other teams monitoring El Mala. Milan are among them, with the Rossoneri keeping an eye on the situation and wanting to be ready to make a move if the deal between FC Köln and Dortmund falls through, as relayed via Milannews.it.
Of course, before making such a move, Milan would first have to resolve the Rafael Leao situation. The Portuguese winger remains on the market, but the €50–60 million offers that the Rossoneri were expecting have yet to arrive.
