Chelsea eyeing a move for AC Milan Gianluigi Donnarumma | Sportsmonks
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Chelsea eyeing a move for AC Milan Gianluigi Donnarumma

Chelsea have set their sights on AC Milan starlet Gianluigi Donnarumma after having missed out on their quest to sign Alisson Becker, as Liverpool are due to complete a world-record £67 million deal for the goalkeeper. They might lose Thibaut Courtois, who expected to be on his way to Madrid for a £37 million deal, according to reports from the Evening Standard.

Donnarumma was included on the AC Milan matchday squad for the first time at the mere age of 15. Aged just 19, he has piled up 125 senior appearances for the Italian. In 2016, he became the youngest ever keeper to represent his country.

Real Madrid are planning a sensational swoop for Thibaut Courtois as they seem to offload Keylor Navas. Courtois has hinted a move to the Spanish capital earlier and the Blues have been in search of reinforcements.

Their short-list of goalkeeper options includes Kasper Schmeichel, club legend Petr Cech and now, Donnarumma. A swap deal with Alvaro Morata heading the other way could be on the cards as the Chelsea forward has struggled for goals since the turn of the year, which was a result of him being left out of the Spain squad that travelled to Russia.

I Rossoneri have been found in breach of FIFA’s financial fair play precept, which means they need to sell their players in order to add quality to their squad. With Morata unsettled at Chelsea, Milan looking to strengthen their attack and Courtois due to leave, this move makes sense.

Earlier in May, AC Milan’s sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli stated that their teenage sensation would be allowed to depart. He admitted, “If a good enough offer arrived, any of our players could be sold. There are far richer clubs out there and we have to choose other paths.”

Although this looks like a relatively easier transfer considering Milan’s financial status, they will be confronted by Donnarumma’s agent, Mino Raiola, who was arguably the reason why the Pensioners missed out on Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku. 

Sarri’s side are currently in Perth, fulfilling their pre-season duties and working on a new project under a new boss.

Donnarumma would be fine long-term replacement for Courtois at Stamford Bridge. However, they might want to hold on to Morata, who is full of quality and experience. He is yet to adapt to the pace of the Premier League and the Blues must be patient, as far as his situation is concerned. Under Sarri, he could well be a different striker.

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