Transfer News: Italian giants halt contract talks with 22-year-old Chelsea target

Transfer News: AC Milan halt contract talks with Chelsea target Gianluigi Donnarumma

According to transfer news from The Sun, AC Milan have halted contract talks with Chelsea target Gianluigi Donnarumma. This comes to light after the player was confronted by the Ultras over a potential switch to Juventus.

Donnarumma has been in the news, with his contract set to end this season and no extension being agreed. That attracted the attention of clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, who wanted to sign the keeper on a free transfer at the end of the season.

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Gianluigi Donnarumma of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on February 28, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Contract talks had been dragging on to the point that it was almost the case that he would be leaving Milan. Chelsea were waiting to snap him up in that scenario. Earlier, it had been reported that Donnarumma has put contract talks on hold as he wants to play in the Champions League next season.

There have been some new developments in the saga, with the club halting contract talks with the player until the end of the season. There were reports of the player moving to arch-rivals Juventus in the summer, which escalated the tension and anger among the fans. The Ultras had visited the Milanello complex and gave an ultimatum to the Italian keeper. They warned him not to play against Juventus unless he agrees to a new contract.

Gianluigi Donnarumma of Ac Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and UC Sampdoria at Stadio San Siro Milan Italy on 03 April 2021. Milan Stadio San Siro Milan Italy Copyright: xMarcoxCanonierox SP24-3-030

Due to the events, technical director Paolo Maldini has decided to hold off a new contract at least until the season ends.

“From this moment every single renewal negotiation is frozen until the end of the season, to allow the team to focus solely on the league. In the meantime, we will continue to protect our players as we have always done.”

The Italian international has already established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The fact that he has done it at such an early age is even more impressive. It also means that he is still not a finished product. After all, the Italian stopper is just 22 years old and has 247 appearances so far for Il Rossoneri.

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Chelsea will no doubt keep a close eye on these developments. We are still in with a chance of signing one of the best young keepers in Europe on a free transfer. His addition may well secure the spot between the posts for a good 10-12 years.