Tijjani Reijnders rejects Barcelona, only wants AC Milan | OneFootball

In-demand AZ Alkmaar midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has reportedly turned down an approach from Barcelona in favour of securing a move to AC Milan.

As per Gazzetta dello Sport, the Dutchman is keen on joining the Rossoneri after Stefano Pioli named him one of his preferred candidates to replace Sandro Tonali.

Milan unveiled Ruben Loftus-Cheek as their second summer signing last week following the arrival of goalkeeper Marco Sportiello from Atalanta on a Bosman deal.

But the former Chelsea ace won’t be enough to compensate for Tonali’s exit, with the Italians seeking at least two more new midfielders for various reasons.

In addition to Brahim Diaz’s return to Real Madrid after a splendid three-year stint at San Siro, Ismael Bennacer faces a lengthy spell in the treatment room after undergoing knee surgery in May.

With midfield numbers dwindling, Milan executive Giorgio Furlani is working around the clock to provide Pioli with much-needed reinforcements, one of which is Reijnerds.

Talks between the Serie A outfit and AZ are underway, although the Dutch side rejected the Italians’ opening bid in the region of €19 million, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, they consider it a minor setback and won’t give up, preparing a new bid to persuade their Eredivisie counterparts to let the 24-year-old fulfil his dream.

Reijnders is enthusiastic about continuing his career at San Siro, making it abundantly clear by knocking back Barcelona’s attempt to hijack his move to Italy.

He has already settled personal terms with Milan, meaning the transfer now depends on the club’s ability to close things out with AZ after receiving a crucial nod of approval from the player.

While money shouldn’t be a problem for the Rossoneri after earning around €70m from Tonali’s switch to Newcastle United, they’re still unwilling to spend recklessly.

Pioli wants to reinforce multiple squad areas. Therefore, fund management is significant, given his club is not Saudi-owned.