Chelsea are reportedly lining up a summer move for Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma and have opened talks with AC Milan for a deal.
According to an exclusive report by Football Insider, Chelsea have rekindled their interest in Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Blues have initiated talks with AC Milan over a potential transfer in the summer transfer window, with the major hurdle being his £50 million price tag.
Donnarumma has not just become one of the best young goalkeepers in the world, but among the best in his trade, period, since bursting onto the scene at AC Milan aged 16. Playing regular senior football for nearly half-a-decade, Italian custodian is the first-choice for both club and country.
Despite being only 21, he has already amassed over 200 appearances for Milan and has been a rare positive during a troublesome period for the Rossoneri. However, Donnarumma faces an uncertain future at San Siro, with his AC Milan contract now in its final year. And, Chelsea are hoping to pounce on the Italian international’s situation.
The Premier League heavyweights have been intent on making up for lost time last summer, when they were hamstrung by a FIFA-imposed transfer ban. With the ban lifted, Chelsea have been able to bolster their squad considerably, having already completed five signings – the latest being veteran Brazilian defender Thiago Silva.
Frank Lampard has addressed almost every department in his squad and only one needs to be improved now – the goalkeeping area. The Chelsea manager has been left unimpressed by Kepa Arrizabalaga, which has been reflected in his decision to axe the world’s most expensive goalkeeper for stretched periods last season.
As a result, there has been a suggestion that Lampard is eager to sign a top class goalkeeper this summer. Kepa, meanwhile, could be loaned out, as per Football Insider, or might have to vie for the first-choice slot with a new goalkeeper. To that end, Chelsea have been linked with a number of goalkeepers, one of them being Mike Maignan.
However, the player for whom a concrete move has been made is Edouard Mendy, although the Blues are struggling to find a common ground with Rennes over his transfer fee. Consequently, their attention has now turned towards Donnarumma, whose uncertain position at AC Milan has piqued their interest, prompting them to open talks over a summer move.
The Italian international’s potential and performance levels alone make him a viable target for Chelsea. However, the fact that he could be snapped up on the cheap further makes him an attractive prospect. Having said that, Milan value Donnarumma at around £50 million, which does complicate matters for Chelsea, who need to make a shrewd signing after spending heavily so far.
What now remains to be seen is if talks between the two clubs progress smoothly and if they can reach a consensus over a transfer fee. Donnarumma, though, is a risk worth taking for Chelsea.
