CHELSEA plotted a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma before completing a deal for Edouard Mendy, according to reports.
And they may go back in for the AC Milan captain in June when his contract expires but will face competition from a host of top clubs.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has enjoyed a strong start to the season amid talks over a new contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Donnarumma has been a mainstay at the San Siro since he was 16 but is yet to agree a new contract with the club.
Chelsea were among the interested parties during the recent transfer window, as reported by CalcioMercato.
Frank Lampard was unhappy with Kepa Arrizabalaga as his first-choice keeper and bagged Mendy from Rennes for £22million.
Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid also took an interest in Donnarumma, along with Juventus.
But the 21-year-old’s future will primarily be decided by the outcome of contract negotiations with Milan.
The Serie A side are said to believe that he wants to stay with the club.
A potential Chelsea bid would likely demand Kepa leave Stamford Bridge, with no willing buyer emerging over the autumn.
After a number of years outside of the European elite, Milan are back in continental competition this year and have won all six of their opening games in 2020-21.
That includes a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout victory over Rio Ave in Europa League play-offs and three consecutive clean sheets in Serie A.
Discussing the Donnarumma talks last month, club legend and technical director Paolo Maldini suggested there was little reason to rush.
The 52-year-old told Sky Sport Italia: “He has played 220 games with Milan at his age, that’s absolutely uncommon. The more he goes on, the more he becomes a leader.
“He is a leader in training and with his behaviour. His growth has been truly exponential.
“We must try, it could happen in a week, 10 days, 20 days, we are not in a hurry. We are in this situation now, we know, so 10 or 15 more days won’t change anything.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
