AC Milan launch initial bid for Manchester United target Youssouf Fofana
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, AC Milan have joined the race for Manchester United’s target, Youssouf Fofana, from French club Monaco. The Italian giants have made their first bid for the midfielder, worth €17m. Along with United, Spanish club Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the player.
The French midfielder has attracted the interest of multiple clubs across Europe with his performances for both club and country. The 25-year-old is a favourite option for French national team manager Didier Deschamps, who used the midfielder as a key player in taking his team to the second consecutive World Cup final in 2022.
Fofana also featured in three out of six matches for France in the recently concluded Euro Championship. The midfielder joined Monaco in 2020 following his spell with French side Strasbourg. He has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1 with his performances for both French clubs.
He has caught the eye of European clubs with his performance for Monaco last season, scoring four goals and providing four assists in 35 games across all competitions. He is currently entering the final year of his contract with Monaco and is linked with multiple clubs this summer.
Monaco is expecting €35m for the midfielder’s services, and Milan, who recently joined the race for Fofana, have made a bid worth €17m. The French side is likely to reject Milan’s bid as the offer is significantly lower than their expected amount. Monaco might slightly lower their price but are unlikely to go below €20m.
United’s midfield needs strengthening
Bolstering the midfield department will be one of the top priorities for United in the upcoming season. They haven’t made any signings in midfield and are set to sell some experienced midfielders this summer. Despite the player’s interest to stay, United are set to offload Scott McTominay.
The Red Devils are also linked with multiple clubs to sell Christian Eriksen, who is not included in Ten Hag’s new plan. Therefore, the club must sign a new central midfielder this summer. The Dutch manager has been impressed with Kobbie Mainoo’s performance for the England national team in the Euro campaign, and the youngster also helped the Red Devils lift the FA Cup by scoring a goal against Manchester City.
Ten Hag could use Mainoo as the primary central midfielder in the upcoming season, and they are targeting Fofana as a replacement for the English teenager. The French midfielder’s experience will also help the Red Devils in the middle of the park.
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United have to move quickly to get the deal over the line as Milan are preparing to offer an improved bid.
