AC Milan have cooled their interest in soon-to-be-free agent Naby Keita as his Liverpool career draws to a close.
According to Calciomercato, AC Milan may end their pursuit of Naby Keita as the club hierarchy have major doubts about the Liverpool star. The soon-to-be-free agent is out of contract at Anfield in the summer, with several clubs keen on signing him.
Liverpool paid a huge fee four years ago to sign Naby Keita from RB Leipzig. The Guinean midfielder was a top-rated star at the Bundesliga side, and there were expectations from fans to see the player develop under Jurgen Klopp.
The Anfield crowd never got to see the Keita of Leipzig when playing for Liverpool, as fitness issues hampered his development. He has missed major chunks of games during his stay at the club, as the Reds hierarchy decided against renewing his contract.
With his contract expiring in the summer, Keita will depart Liverpool and look for a new challenge elsewhere. The Guinean midfielder is top draw talent. But any big Premier League club will unlikely put up with that many fitness issues.
Some clubs within the Premier League are keen, but the major interest comes from Italy. There’s also the option of returning to Germany with former side RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund options for the soon-to-be-free Liverpool midfielder.
However, the idea of Italy may prove strong as more options are coming from Serie A than elsewhere. AC Milan were keen on the midfielder for some time now, as they eyed the talented star to join their team.
While the Milan hierarchy have been in touch with Keita’s entourage, there are lingering doubts that could see them cool their interest. The Rossoneri may bow out of the pursuit altogether, as the conditions are unattainable.
The report suggests Milan have two major problems with Keita. The major stumbling block is the salary the midfielder and his entourage have demanded to sign for the club, which they feel is very high. Secondly, Milan are concerned about his long-term fitness after watching him spend most of his time on the sidelines.
While AC Milan may have cooled their interest, rivals Inter Milan are keen to sign Keita on a free transfer. Like their local rivals, the Nerrazurri may have to find an agreement and solve many lingering issues before handing the midfielder a contract.
Keita’s immediate future has come under some doubt, although he will have decent options in the summer. A move to Italy could materialise, but he may have to drastically reduce his salary demands to sign for his next club.
