AC Milan will try to sign Renato Sanches in January. The Portuguese midfielder is considered the perfect substitute of Franck Kessie.
AC Milan have lost any hope of convincing Franck Kessie to extend his expiring contract. The Ivorian will leave at the end of the season as a free agent. However, he and Bennacer will be unavailable in January because they will participate in the African Cup. In the meantime, the Rossoneri are working to sign Kessie’s heir.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan’s main transfer target to replace Franck Kessie is Renato Sanches. The Italian newspaper reports that the Rossoneri will accelerate talks for Renato Sanches and will try try to bring him at San Siro in January. Or at least block him for next summer.
Lille are currently asking a high fee of 35 million euros for the Portuguese central midfielder. However, Sanches’ contract expires in 18 months so an agreement could be closed at around 25 million euros according to reports.
AC Milan and Lille have a very good relationship. The two clubs have completed the transfers of Rafael Leao, Mike Maignan and Tiago Djalo in recent years. Furthermore, both clubs are connected by the interests of Elliott Management.
Corriere dello Sport adds that AC Milan have a big ally in Sanches’ pursuit. His agent, Jorge Mendes, is pushing to move his client in Serie A. Mendes also represents Rafael Leao and during renewal talks with the management the parties had the chances to elaborate on the Portuguese midfielder. Jorge Mendes is convinced that Milan are the perfect team for Sanches to continue his growth.
The 24-year-old is an experienced player despite his young age. Sanches has played for Benfica, Swansea and Bayern Munich in the past. In addition, he won the European Championship with Portugal as a protagonist on the pitch.
READ MORE: AC Milan complete first 2 January signings
