Director Paolo Maldini confirms Milan are at ‘an advanced stage’ with Theo Hernandez and Ismael Bennacer to extend their contracts, with Rafael Leao talks on-going too.
The Rossoneri have had serious problems with losing free agents in recent years, from Hakan Calhanoglu and Gianluigi Donnarumma to imminently Franck Kessie.
They are determined not to do the same with some of their other talents, including Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain target Theo Hernandez.
“We had started talks at the right time for Donnarumma, Kessie and Calhanoglu, but it’s not always easy to reach an agreement,” Maldini told the Associazione Italiana Milan Clubs in an online interview.
“We are at an advanced stage with Theo’s negotiations and those of Ismael, while we are talking with Rafa Leao.
“The intention is to renew all three of their contracts very soon. Naturally, these are players who are still young and we believe can continue to give Milan a great deal in future.”
The current deals for Theo Hernandez, Bennacer and Leao are all due to expire in June 2024, so there is plenty of time to reach an agreement.
Coach Stefano Pioli said he has only requested a new centre-back in January as a replacement for Simon Kjaer, who is out for the rest of the season following knee surgery.
“We will do what is possible, but it won’t be a big transfer window. We go forward with confidence and will see where we’re at come the end of the season.”
Maldini sees the development of the Milan squad as a sign of their long-term plan coming to fruition, particularly in the midfield.
“Sandro Tonali has looked a completely different player to last season. He had arrived on loan from Brescia, so with a lot of pressure on his shoulders, he didn’t do very well straight away, but we saw enormous quality in this lad. He is also a super Milan supporter, which doesn’t hurt.
“We believe he is the player who has made the biggest improvement.”
#Milan, #Maldini: ‘I rinnovi di Theo, Leao e Bennacer, vi dico tutto. Tonali il più sorprendente, sul nuovo stadio…’ https://t.co/zQw4r0velt
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) January 8, 2022
imo, all 3 should be offered an improved 2/3 year extension with option of +1 year that Milan can automatically activate (like Chelsea contracts besides rudiger) and a deadline of agreement set as 31st May. If not, put them on the market as its sickening to see players just walk off for nothing