Sky: Milan fear Donnarumma is holding out for Madrid move
The Italian broadcaster has speculated that the 18-year-old Italy stopper is procrastinating over a new deal amid interest from the Bernabéu.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal at AC Milan and there are fears at the San Siro that Real Madrid may be the root cause of the 18-year-old’s reticence.
Sky Sports have suggested that the Italy keeper, who has been Milan’s undisputed number one since the age of 16, is holding out on signing an extension to his contract, which expires next year, while Real Madrid’s search for a new keeper remains unresolved.
Buffon's heir
Donnarumma made 41 appearances for Milan in all competitions last season, conceding 49 times, and it widely regarded as the successor to Gianluigi Buffon between the sticks for the Azzurri, with the veteran Juve stopper expected to retire after the 2018 World Cup.
Raiola Real's biggest stumbling block
Working against Real Madrid’s designs is the identity of Donnarumma’s agent – Mino Raiola. The controversial super-agent has never been keen on doing business with Madrid and in the Bernabéu board room Raiola is viewed in a negative light due to a perceived aggressive stance when arranging transfers. With a stable of players including Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Balotelli, Raiola has never strived to hide his distaste for Real Madrid and it was Little surprise when Pogba, a long-term Madrid target, ended up moving to Old Trafford in a world record deal, with Raiola pocketing 48 million euros for his troubles.
De Gea on ice
Madrid’s interest in Donnarumma comes at a time when the Bernabéu’s long-standing interest in United keeper David de Gea appears to be cooling. Keylor Navas has shown no inclination to lightly abandon the number one shirt at Real Madrid and his late-season return to form has led to many at the Bernabéu doubting the need for a marquee signing in that department this summer.
