Milan director Leonardo confirmed Zlatan Ibrahimovic won’t leave the LA Galaxy, while they are "evaluating the conditions" for Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea.
The negotiations with Ibra had ground to a halt over the last few days and there were reports a January transfer was essentially abandoned.
“Ibrahimovic will not return to Milan,” director Leonardo told Sky Sport Italia this evening.
Milan director Leonardo confirmed Zlatan Ibrahimovic won’t leave the LA Galaxy, while they are "evaluating the conditions" for Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea.
The negotiations with Ibra had ground to a halt over the last few days and there were reports a January transfer was essentially abandoned.
“Ibrahimovic will not return to Milan,” director Leonardo told Sky Sport Italia this evening.
“He gave his word to the LA Galaxy that he’d renew his contract. We thought about his return and he thought about it too, but he’s keeping his word and will remain in MLS.
“He always said from the start that if the LA Galaxy satisfied his conditions, then he would remain. They are doing that and he will stay there.
“It would’ve been a marvellous story and a strong signal, but it will not be possible.”
The Rossoneri have already made one big signing for January, as Lucas Paquetà was in the stands ahead of his €35m move from Flamengo.
He flew in this morning and will have his medical tests on Monday.
“He’ll be a reinforcement, is young and can certainly give us a hand.”
Leonardo commented on reports that Milan were in advanced negotiations with Chelsea for Cesc Fabregas.
“We evaluated it, considering the possibility, but didn’t go all in. We are still evaluating the conditions.”
Part of the problem may well be the incoming UEFA sanction for breaching Financial Fair Play rules. The club had originally been kicked out of the Europa League, but won an appeal to be reintroduced.
“There could be an economic sanction, we’ll see what happens. We do have a very negative balance sheet. We’ll certainly do something on the market, but we’ll take it slowly.
“Unfortunately, with the Financial Fair Play issue it has become a puzzle and a difficult one to work out. We need to wait and understand what we can actually do.
“The owners want to invest, but there are parameters to be respected.”