It is now “inevitable” that Manchester City target Tijjani Reijnders will leave AC Milan this summer, according to reports in Italy.
Newspaper, the Corriere Dello Sport (via Sempre Milan), claims that the Rossoneri need to fill a gaping hole in their budget after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Consequently, the sale of a marquee player is required and Reijnders is seen as the most likely candidate due to the interest being shown in him.
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Both the Cityzens and Chelsea have been linked with the Netherlands international over the past few weeks but the former are said to be closest to making a formal bid.
An opening offer for Reijnders is set to be tabled
The Corriere Dello Sport report that Pep Guardiola’s side are poised to make a proposal for the midfielder over the coming days.
It is believed that City are prepared to pay around €60m (£50.4m). That is slightly below Milan’s €70m (£59m) asking price but there is a feeling that an agreement can be reached when bonuses and performance-related add-ons are included.
Why are City pursuing the Dutchman?
Guardiola is keen to reinforce his options in the middle of the park. Kevin De Bruyne’s departure and doubts over the future of Ilkay Gundogan and others mean it is any area that requires strengthening.
Reijnders has shown at AC Milan this campaign what he can bring to the table. He has scored 15 goals in all competitions for the Serie A side, in addition to registering 5 assists.
The Rossoneri were keen to keep hold of him, with the midfielder having only signed a contract extension a couple of months ago, but the absence of European football has forced them into a corner, and it looks as though City will be the main beneficiaries.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here