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Premier League Giants To Hijack Juventus' Move For Gianluigi Donnarumma

Premier League Giants To Hijack Juventus' Move For Gianluigi Donnarumma

Gianluigi Donnarumma is leaving AC Milan and will be available on a free transfer.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Chelsea and Manchester United are both said to be in the race for AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

On Wednesday, Milan legend and technical director Paolo Maldini has confirmed that the 21-year-old shot-stopper will leave the club when his contract expires his summer.

Juventus and Barcelona have been showing interest in the Italy international after he failed to agree a new contract at the San Siro, but The Sun are reporting that he also has admirers in the Premier League.

On a free, he could be a serious steal for either Chelsea or United - but superagent Mino Raiola will no doubt be looking for a handsome pay packet for his client and a nice bit of commission for himself.

Milan are reportedly close to signing Lille's Ligue One-winning goalkeeper Mike Maignan as Donnarumma's replacement.

Donnarumma made his Serie A debut as a 16-year-old and has gone to amass over 250 appearances for his boyhood club, keeping 88 clean sheets in between the sticks.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Because of his relationship with Raiola, he's not always had the best rapport with the Rossoneri fans and was recently said to have been reduced to tears when some of the club's ultras threatened him at the training ground.

Having announced Donnarumma's departure, Maldini came to his defence and wished the goalkeeper well in his next move.

"People sometimes don't realise what it means to be a professional, he did not lack respect," said Maldini, per talkSPORT.

"I think we should thank all the players who contributed to this incredible season. Gigio was a leader and often the captain.

"People sometimes don't realise what it means to be a professional, it means you must be ready to change club.

"It's difficult to accept, I realise, but it's also increasingly difficult to see an [entire] career in one team. We must respect those who gave so much to Milan and remember Donnarumma did not lack respect for us.

"It can happen that at times you have to take different paths. I can only wish him the best."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, Manchester United, AC Milan, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Juventus