It's been officially confirmed that AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will not extend his deal with the club, and the news has put a number of Europe's elite on alert.
Milan were desperate to tie down their prize asset to a new and improved contract, and are said to have offered the 18 year-old a €4.5 million-per-year deal, with bonuses also coming into play.
However Mino Raiola, the player's agent, is known to play hard-ball and as expected wanted a better deal for his client, including €10 million release clause if the Rossoneri failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Image: PA
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And after a meeting was held between Raiola and Milan officials today, it's now official that Donnarumma, a boyhood Milan fan, will not be renewing his contract, which expires in a year's time.
In a statement the club CEO, Marco Fassone said:
"Raiola informed us that Donnarumma has made a definitive decision not to renew the contract with Milan.
"We had made a strong proposal. The player evaluated it and made some evaluations that were not just economic, but he told us that he does not wish to renew the contract and his time with Milan will therefore conclude by June 30, 2018.
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"We were taken by surprise, as we had hoped Donnarumma would be the goalkeeper taking Milan into the future. Naturally, the decision leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, but now we have to go forward."
It's a huge blow for Milan, and it increases the likelihood of the Italian, commonly referred to as the heir to the throne of his namesake and current Italy number one Gianluigi Buffon, leaving the club this summer.
Image: PA
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Real Madrid and PSG have been huge admirers of Donnarumma, and journalist Fabrizio Romano is reporting that both club's have opened talks to sign the shot-stopper.
Tancredi Palmeri, typically hit and miss with his transfer news, has gone one better by saying that there's already a big offer on the table for the talented teenager
Milan's summer dealings thus far had been extremely encouraging, with manager Vincenzo Montella committing his future by signing a new deal, as well as four impressive signings: Mateo Musacchio, Franck Kessie, Ricardo Rodriguez and Andre Silva.
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But they've been dealt a major set-back here, and are now placed in a difficult position.
Do they sell cash in on Donnarumma and attempt to find an adequate replacement, or do they retain him for the final year of his contract before he leaves for nothing?
Let us know your thoughts on Donnarumma's situation in the comments section below.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, PSG, AC Milan, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Real Madrid
