AC Milan given Botman ultimatum

Lille have made it clear that Sven Botman will not be joining AC Milan unless the Italian club significantly increase their offer this month.

AC Milan are currently in negotiations with Lille over two players. Sven Botman has been chosen as the partner of Fikayo Tomori for next season while Renato Sanches has been identified as the perfect replacement for Franck Kessie. While the purchase of Renato Sanches is considered a matter of days, the situation is very different for the Dutch centre back.

AC Milan have reached an agreement on personal terms with the 22-year-old since January but they have found it difficult to convince Lille. The situation has become even more complicated lately. Newcastle United remain interested in the Netherlands international and are trying everything to bring him in the Premier League.

Lille have already accepted a €40 million bid from Newcastle but Botman continues to favor a move to AC Milan. English journalist Scott Wilson reports that Lille have told Sven Botman he won’t be joining AC Milan unless Italians significantly increase their offer this month. According to the English sources, the Rossoneri are not willing to go beyond €25 million plus add-ons for the talented centre back.

Unlike Sanches who becomes a free agent in one year, Botman is linked to Lille with a contract until 2025. Lille have sent a ultimatum to AC Milan. The French club are in a hurry to sell their defender in order to quickly reinvest on the transfer market. Despite the recent ownership change, the Rossoneri don’t seem to have the economic capabilities to spend freely on the market or match Newcastle’s offer.

Paolo Maldini is banking on the player’s desire to join the Italian champions. However, the timing is not on AC Milan’s favor. Botman is reportedly frustrated with the negotiations dragging for so long. On the other hand, Newcastle are eager to give him a much better contract than the Rossoneri can.

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