Brescia President Massimo Cellino confirms Sandro Tonali had a deal with Inter, but ‘wanted no other options’ when he heard Milan were interested, rejecting Barcelona and Manchester United.
The 20-year-old grew up supporting the Rossoneri, so was understandably enthusiastic about the idea of joining the red and black side of San Siro.
“I know that Beppe Marotta really wanted Tonali, and that Antonio Conte appreciated him, so I think his agent had agreed terms with Inter,” Cellino told Top Calcio 24.
Brescia President Massimo Cellino confirms Sandro Tonali had a deal with Inter, but ‘wanted no other options’ when he heard Milan were interested, rejecting Barcelona and Manchester United.
The 20-year-old grew up supporting the Rossoneri, so was understandably enthusiastic about the idea of joining the red and black side of San Siro.
“I know that Beppe Marotta really wanted Tonali, and that Antonio Conte appreciated him, so I think his agent had agreed terms with Inter,” Cellino told Top Calcio 24.
“He was determined and convinced that he was going to Inter, but all this time dragged on and it was practically the start of the new season with still nothing happening.
“As soon as Milan showed real interest, he did not want to listen to any other options. I also have historically a good rapport with Milan and we reached an agreement with Paolo Maldini quite quickly.
“We also had interest from Barcelona and Manchester United, but the lad is in love with Milan and went crazy once he heard of their offer, because he supports them.”
Tonali is due to arrive on loan for €10m with option to buy for €15m and another €10m in add-ons, including a percentage of his sell-on fee.
A medical is expected over the next few days.
“Those figures are correct, but we turned down €65m from Barcelona in January and about a dozen days ago Manchester United had offered €10m more than Milan,” claimed Cellino.