AC Milan are no doubt absolutely desperate to keep hold of hot prospect Gianluigi Donnarumma, as in him they have a top goalkeeper who can potentially be their No.1 for 20 years and beyond.
The 17-year old has broke all sort of records already since making his professional debut at the tender age of 16 years and 242 days - becoming the second youngest goalkeeper to debut in the Italian top flight in the process.
He moved into the Italy Under 21 side but his fine form warranted a call-up to the Italy first-team squad, which came in two games against France and Israel in September.
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Donnarumma made his debut in the 3-1 friendly defeat at the hands of France when he replaced the legendary Gianluigi Buffon for the second half. Having entered the world of international football at just 17 years and 189 days, he became the youngest ever goalkeeper to don the iconic Azzurri goalkeepers shirt.
In case you haven't seen, his training drills are utterly ridiculous:
Credit: AC Milan
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It's in the best interests of the Rossoneri to try and tie down their prized asset to a new contract and that's exactly what they are trying to do. Italian players have to wait until they turn 18 before they can sign sign long-term contracts. Donnarumma celebrates his 18th birthday in three days time and Milan want to give him a new and improved contract.
However, according to Corriere dello Sport, the two parties are not close when it comes to discussions.
Milan are offering Donnarumma a deal where he will earn €2.5m, plus year-on-year bonuses each annum, yet the player's agent Mino Raiola, who represents the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku, wants more money for his talented, young client.
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Given his importance to Milan, Raiola feels that Donnarumma warrants a yearly salary between €4.5m and €5m per year.
The Italian has made it clear that he wants to remain with his boyhood club but he does have a whole host of potential suitors across Europe.
Premier League sides Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been linked, as have Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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Rivals Juventus are seen as the biggest threat though, as they see Donnarumma as the perfect successor to Gianluigi Buffon when he eventually hangs up his gloves and calls it a day.
(h/t Football Italia)
Featured Image Credit:Topics: AC Milan