Tuttosport: Milan halt Fofana pursuit – Fiorentina and Palmeiras pair the alternatives | OneFootball

The negotiations between AC Milan and Monaco for Youssouf Fofana seemed to be nearing an agreement, but in the last few hours there has been an abrupt slowdown and other targets are now being assessed.

This morning’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanNews) has a front page which reads: ‘Fofana, Milan wrap it up. Monaco raise the price, target changes. Atletico and United on the Frenchman: they turn to Rios, Amrabat or Rabiot’.

Indeed, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid have emerged on the scene and that is why Monaco now want €35m to sell Fofana. This is a figure considered too high by the Milan management, given that we are talking about a player whose contract expires in less than a year (30 June 2025).

Despite already having an agreement with the Frenchman over personal terms, the Rossoneri could be forced to change their midfield target. Richard Rios of Palmeiras is an option but he would cost €30m, while Sofyana Amrabat – who returned to Fiorentina after his loan at United – is a name to watch.

Milan want a physical midfielder who can help shield the defence, something which the new coach Paulo Fonseca has asked for to guarantee greater protection for the back four. However, they are also working on Lazar Samardzic, who Udinese value at €25m without counterparts.