Manchester United could be set for a fascinating reunion with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy's No. 1 goalkeeper, who is reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford. This comes after Paris Saint-Germain agreed a £35million deal to sign Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. United have been active in the transfer window, securing the signatures of Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and are also close to finalising a deal for Benjamin Sesko worth just under £74m including add-ons.
However, a move for PSG's shot-stopper is said to be challenging at this time. The situation could shift if United manage to offload surplus players such as Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho – thereby increasing their budget. The former AC Milan keeper has had previous encounters with Premier League clubs and players he may yet face again. Express Sport delves into Donnarumma's past confrontations...
Donnarumma's spat with Liverpool legend
During the Euro 2020 final, Donnarumma was seen in a heated exchange with ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson at half time. As both teams retreated to the dressing room for the interval, England were leading the Italians 1-0, courtesy of Luke Shaw's half-volley in the second minute.
However, as Donnarumma confidently strode towards the tunnel, Henderson – an England substitute at the time – emerged to challenge the goalkeeper. The now Brentford midfielder was seen gesturing towards the penalty area while reprimanding the goalkeeper.
It's understood that Henderson took umbrage at Donnarumma's heated response to Raheem Sterling's fall in the penalty area during the first half, which resulted in the PSG star confronting the forward. A member of the Italian team's staff was seen ushering Donnarumma away from the midfielder and down the tunnel after Henderson intervened.
Italy, naturally, clinched the final on penalties – leaving England supporters within Wembley devastated.
Pep Guardiola blocked move
This summer, Manchester City have also been linked with a potential move for Donnarumma. This appears somewhat ironic, as rumours suggest Pep Guardiola personally stepped in to block a move for the Italian in the summer of 2023.
PSG were reportedly so keen on signing City midfielder Bernardo Silva in 2023, they were prepared to offer both the goalkeeper and Marco Verratti in return. However, Guardiola was determined to keep Bernardo and is believed to have personally quashed any chance of the deal going ahead.
Two years on, City are once again linked with Donnarumma despite their recent acquisition of James Trafford from Burnley.
Man Utd change of heart
At just 18 years old, it was reported that Donnarumma had privately informed his friends he was Premier League-bound.
During this time, David De Gea seemed set to join Real Madrid, only for a notorious fax machine mishap to thwart his move to the Bernabeu.
Back in 2017, United were the favourites to sign Donnarumma, as reported by The Sun. However, the young goalkeeper made a surprising decision to stay with AC Milan, apologising to the fans and signing a new long-term contract at the San Siro.
After the failed move, he stated: "I'm delighted and proud to be at Milan. I was born and raised at this club and I never had any doubts about staying in my mind.
"I'm sorry to the fans who felt betrayed, but I repeat that was not my intention. I'm sorry to them and thank them for their affection for these two years. I am proud to be here."
Donnarumma fumes at Chelsea star
After Chelsea's 3-0 victory over PSG in the Club World Cup final this summer, Donnarumma and his manager Luis Enrique were left fuming at Joao Pedro's antics. The Brazilian, who scored Chelsea's third goal, was pushed in the throat by Donnarumma, while Enrique also seemed eager to confront him.
Pedro, who moved to the west London club from Brighton and Hove Albion for £60m this summer, fell to the ground, clutching his face. The argument between Donnarumma, Enrique and the Chelsea players continued, leading to a heated scuffle on the pitch.
Ultimately, his push on Pedro became the most talked-about incident of the post-match fracas. With Chelsea having shown interest in Donnarumma before, there's a chance that the Italian and Pedro could end up as team-mates.
However, it seems Manchester United's search for a new goalkeeper is more urgent at present.