George Baker
Manchester United to battle Chelsea for Gianluigi Donnarumma
According to Duncan Castles (h/t Football.london), Manchester United have started talks regarding the free transfer of Gianluigi Donnarumma. His agent Mino Raiola is said to have been in contact with the club over a transfer at the end of this season. Chelsea are also said to be in the running for the player.
Donnarumma is yet to agree on a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire this season. It could be the case that he eventually signs a new contract but the fact that it has dragged on for this long means that sides like Man United and Chelsea are on the edge and waiting to snap him up.
The 22-year-old and his agent are pushing for an £8.5m-per-year wage packet. However, Milan are looking to offer him somewhere around £6.5m per year. That has led to a huge delay and dragging of contract talks.
Even though Donnarumma wants to stay in Italy, he could well be interested in a switch to England if the situation is not resolved. Manchester United are in a bit of a pickle regarding their goalkeeper situation. David De Gea and Dean Henderson’s futures are up in the air as they continue to battle for the No.1 spot.
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Manchester United could look to sign the keeper despite needing players in other positions such as centre-back, right-wing and centre-forward. While De Gea is the first choice for now, a move for Donnarumma would be a long-term step.
However, a lot will depend on what happens between now and the end of the season.
