The Belgian international is certain to leave Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg this summer, with AC Milan touted as the 26-year-olda s most likely destination
AC Milan have made their ambitions clear this summer having already completed the signings of strikers Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano, as well as midfielder Andrea Bertolacci, with nearly two months of the transfer window still remaining.
Belgian international Axel Witsel could soon be the latest addition to that impressive list, with agent Riccardo Napolitano confirming that his client has an agreement with the Serie A giants, although a transfer fee has yet to be agreed with Zenit.
In an exclusive interview with Antenna 3 television (via Football Italia . ), Napolitano is quoted as saying: a The player said yes to Milan. Theya re prepared to pay a 20m, but Zenit want a 30m. At the start Axel was not convinced by Milana s proposal, because he was looking for a club that played in the Champions League.
a However, the Rossoneri were very insistent and at the end the player said yes to their offer. The first hurdle has therefore been overcome.
a Now they need to satisfy Zenita s demands. Milan are prepared to spend a 20m, but the Russians are asking for a 30m to a 35m.a
Witsel, who is primarily a defensive midfielder possessing the rare combination of physicality and technical ability, would be well worth that outlay for a top European club willing to meet his current employersa asking price.
As such, AC Milan could potentially lose out on the Belgian if a club decides to swoop in for the midfielder. However, according Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Witsel is not a priority for the Rossoneri.
According to the report, AC Milan are reluctant to fork out the a 30m or more that would be needed to sign the 26-year-old.
Witsel sends signals to Milan but he isna t a priority for the rossoneri http://t.co/2fGogRQbDk
a David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) July 8, 2015
With Witsel keen on a move away from Russia, however, it is likely that he will eventually end up in Milan, unless another serious contender for his signature emerges in the coming weeks. Of course, if that is the case, AC Milan might well increase their offer for the Belgian a particularly if that contender happens to be a Serie A club.
In either case, it appears unlikely that a resolution is imminent with regards to Witsela s future. It might just be a long summer for the Belgian.