Milan duo Olivier Giroud and Mike Maignan have proven themselves key figures for the club, who are now in the early stages of contract negotiations with both.
The 37-year-old Giroud has taken on the Zlatan Ibrahimovic role in the squad following the Swede’s retirement, being an experienced winner and important reference point for his teammates in the dressing room. This term, he’s netted eight goals and provided three assists in 15 games.
Maignan has also proven himself a star with Milan, helping the club immediately forget about Gianluigi Donnarumma. He played a vital role in their Scudetto success in the 2021-22 season and his lengthy absence last season through injury showed his importance to the Rossoneri.
As detailed by Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.com, Milan decided to offer both players new contracts in the summer and have now begun exploratory talks with the pair, wanting to understand their ambitions and expectations at the club.
Giroud’s priority is to sign a new deal with the Rossoneri, despite the offers from the MLS and Saudi Arabia, but an agreement must be reached on his salary.
Things are more complicated for Maignan, who can’t simply have his €2.8m net per season wages doubled in a new deal. The player is keen to stay, so the club are feeling confident.