AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is reportedly on the verge of signing a new contract with the Rossoneri, ending speculation over a possible marquee move to the Premier League.
The 26-year-old Dutchman has excelled at the heart of the Milan midfield since making the switch from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, and he is said to have caught the eye of as many as four English top-flight clubs.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is understood to 'love' the midfielder and would sanction an 'astronomical' bid for his services in 2025, but they would face stiff competition from Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Reijnders's existing contract at AC Milan does not expire for another four seasons anyway, but the midfielder recently confirmed that talks over an extension were heading in the right direction.
Now, Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that a renewal for Reijnders is 'practically done', and the Netherlands international will extend his terms in Milan until 2029 with the option of a further season.
Milan ward off Premier League quartet with 'double your money' offer
AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders pictured on October 22, 2024© Imago
The report states that talks between Reijnders and Milan have progressed significantly in recent weeks, and it is only a matter of time before the Rossoneri announce his one-year renewal.
The 'virtual handshake' between the two parties will soon become a 'total agreement', and former Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic - now a club advisor - is said to have been a driving force in keeping Reijnders at the club.
The 26-year-old is only thought to be earning around €1.7m (£1.4m) a year under his current terms, but Milan have agreed to double his salary, meaning that he will pocket €3.5m (£2.9m) per annum when his new deal comes into effect.
Even though some of Europe's powerhouses were circling, Reijnders and his wife are understood to be 'very happy' in Milan, where he is considered one of the 'prizes' in Paulo Fonseca's ranks.
Reijnders has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 20 appearances for Milan across all competitions in the 2024-25 season, taking his total for the club to 11 goals and seven assists in 70 matches since 2023.
What alternatives to Reijnders are out there?
Pogba Provisionally Suspended For Anti-Doping Offence on October 5, 2024© Imago
With Reijnders committing his future to Fonseca's side for at least another year, Arsenal, Man City, Spurs and Liverpool must scour the market elsewhere if they are to strengthen their midfield options in January or the summer.
A Rodri-less Man City have allegedly gone as far as to make contact with former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, but the 31-year-old - who can return from his doping ban in March - has 'reservations' about joining the English champions.
Atalanta BC's Ederson and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi - who memorably rejected the chance to join Liverpool in the summer - could be viable alternatives, but the latter is also expected to be on the Reds' and Arsenal's radars.
One of Liverpool or Spurs could still add some Dutch midfield flair to their ranks in 2025, though, as a separate report has claimed that both teams are considering a move for Feyenoord's Quinten Timber, the twin brother of Arsenal's Jurrien Timber.
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