Milan have agreed personal terms with Youssouf Fofana, but are still a long way off the AS Monaco asking price, so negotiations continue.
Multiple sources including La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sky Sport Italia and Sportitalia are all confident that the player has set his heart on a move to San Siro and agreed the basic details of a five-year contract worth an initial €2.5m per season.
The problem is working out a transfer fee with AS Monaco, who are holding out for €25m despite the fact his contract at the club only runs to June 2025.
With that situation in mind, Milan are hoping to get a deal done for just €15m including various add-ons.
Fofana has heart set on Milan
It is a very big gap, but the Italians are confident they can force Monaco’s hand by relying on Fofana’s personal preference.
After all, he has form in this regard, having turned down a €30m transfer to Nottingham Forest last year because he wanted a more ambitious club.
The 25-year-old had also been linked with Juventus, but they have now secured Khephren Thuram from OGC Nice for €20m, while Manchester United and Arsenal have been mentioned.
Fofana has 21 senior caps for France and was in the squad that reached the EURO 2024 semi-final, so as a result will not be part of Monaco’s pre-season preparations.