AC Milan has increased its offer for Strasbourg`s promising defender Guéla Doué to €22 million, including performance-based bonuses. However, this bid still falls short of Strasbourg`s €30 million asking price for the player.
The Italian club has already secured a new left-back, Pervis Estupinan, in a deal worth €17 million plus €2 million in add-ons from Brighton and Hove Albion. Estupinan is expected to arrive in Italy soon for his medical examination.
Milan`s search for a right-back has proven more challenging. The club recently decided against pursuing Marc Pubill, despite having conducted preliminary medical tests. Pubill has since agreed to terms with Atletico Madrid in a deal reportedly worth €16 million plus €4 million in add-ons and a 15% sell-on clause.
With Pubill no longer an option, Milan has turned its attention to Doué. The club`s initial offer of €18 million was rejected by Strasbourg, prompting this improved bid. However, the significant gap between Milan`s offer and Strasbourg`s valuation suggests that negotiations may be protracted.
As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Milan will further increase their bid or if Strasbourg will be willing to lower their asking price for the talented defender.