GdS: Milan want answer from Maignan by February with Leao-level deal tabled

AC Milan are continuing their attempts to get Mike Maignan to extend his contract, and are ready to give him a big pay rise.

Before Milan-Sassuolo, Igli Tare confirmed that the club are trying to convince Maignan to renew his contract, which expires on June 30. Time is not on their side, but the management are willing to make one final push, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below).

Answer needed by February

The Frenchman’s renewal seemed a foregone conclusion in January, when negotiations fell through just short of a signature. Chelsea came knocking in the summer, but Massimiliano Allegri’s arrival ensured that he remained and became captain.

Tare told DAZN before the draw with Sassuolo: “Talking about Maignan is easy because he’s an extraordinary guy, a leader and a team player. We’re happy together: he likes being at Milan, and Milan are happy if Mike renews. We’re discussing the future, but let’s leave the numbers aside. We’ll have a chance to discuss this.”

It will happen in January, when the transfer window officially reopens. The Rossoneri don’t intend to let the former Lille man leave, even if an offer arrives during the winter mercato. At the same time, however, they can’t turn the renewal issue into a tense debate that will drag on until spring.

A yes or no is needed by February. Milan’s offer to Mike could match Leao’s €7m net per year salary (including bonuses) the highest-paid player in the squad. Maignan’s asking price was around €7.5m plus bonuses: it has been lowered, but there’s still no agreement.