Milan's Donnarumma Won't Renew, Real, PSG Step Up Chase
Prodigious young 'keeper rejects new contract offer.
It seems the gloves will soon be off as far as the battle for Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma is concerned, after the brilliant young shot-stopper rejected the club's latest contract offer.
Donnarumma made his debut for the Rossoneri at just 16, and has since established himself as one of the finest keepers not just in Italy, but in Europe. Testament to his alarming talent, Donnarumma became the youngest goalie to ever be capped for Italy at just 17 - two years fewer than Gianluigi Buffon.
Since then, Europe's big hitters have been stalking San Siro in pursuit of the keeper's signature, and it seems his departure is an inevitability following this morning's announcement at a hastily arranged press conference.
"We had made a strong proposal. The player evaluated it and made some evaluations that were not just economic, but he told is that he does not wish to renew the contract and his time with Milan will therefore conclude by June 30, 2018," announced club CEO Marco Fassone.
There's absolutely no way Milan will be prepared to let one of their star players leave for nothing next summer, and reports are already abound that heavyweights Real Madrid and PSG are set to swoop for the want-away custodian.
The development will come as a huge blow to Milan and new owner Li Yonghong, with Donnarumma considered crucial to his plan to restore Milan to football's elite. The club have already shown great ambition by investing big in Franck Kessie, Ricardo Rodriguez, and Andre Silva, but the keeper's likely departure will undoubtedly set the project back.
"Naturally, the decision leaves a bitter taste in the mouth," lamented Fassone. "But now we have to go forward, and Milan go forward."