According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan director Ivan Gazidis will return to Milan by the beginning of next week with a number of issues to take care of, from Franck Kessiè’s contract extension to January signings.
Gazidis was diagnosed with throat cancer in July and spent the last few months in New York to receive treatment.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he will return to Milan at the end of this week or at the beginning of the next one to oversee several hot matters at the club.
Gazidis won’t attend the game against Hellas Verona or travel with the team to Porto, but he wants to be in charge of the club’s crucial issues over the next few weeks.
According to the report, the former Arsenal director will discuss the club’s transfer budget for the January transfer window.
Milan: Maignan undergoing wrist surgery: out for two months?
Milan have just reached an agreement to sign Antonio Mirante as a free agent, given that their goalkeeper Mike Maignan will remain out of action for up to two months with a wrist injury.
However, the Rossoneri seem to have more new signings in mind, with a right winger and a creative midfielder on their shopping list.
Franck Kessié’s contract extension is probably the most significant matter of concern for the club.
The Ivorian midfielder sees his contract expire at the end of the season and the Serie A giants are nowhere close to reaching an agreement with him.
“An important player needs a contract that is up to his standards,” Kessié’s agent said on Tuesday.
“For too long, people have been saying things in the wrong way. I am sorry for those who read these stories and believe them to be true.”
According to multiple reports in Italy, Kessié wants a new €8m-a-year deal, while Milan can’t offer more than €6.5m.
Stefano Pioli’s contract also runs out in the summer. The Rossoneri have a unilateral clause they can use to extend his stay at the club, but the club’s directors are expected to sit down with their coach and negotiate a contract extension and a pay rise.
Gazidis will also oversee the project for a new stadium in Milan, which is considered a priority by both the Rossoneri and Inter.