The summer transfer window continues its predictable churn, and AC Milan finds itself locked in negotiations for Strasbourg`s promising young defender, Guela Doué. Reports indicate the Serie A club has submitted a second formal offer in their bid to bring the 22-year-old to Italy, following the rejection of their initial proposal.
Milan`s first attempt to secure Doué`s services was reportedly in the region of €15 million. This figure was swiftly deemed insufficient by the Alsatian club, prompting Milan to reconsider their position.
The subsequent bid saw an increase of €3 million, raising the offer to a reported €18 million. While representing an improved sum, this figure still appears to fall short of Strasbourg`s valuation for the player. Consequently, the second offer is also anticipated to be rejected, as Strasbourg and their ownership consortium, BlueCo, seek a higher fee for the Côte d’Ivoire international.
From Strasbourg`s perspective, retaining Doué is more than just a potential transfer fee calculation. He is considered an important component of the squad by head coach Liam Rosenior. The manager reportedly views Doué as a key player he wishes to rely upon, particularly with crucial fixtures on the horizon.
Strasbourg is preparing for the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying stages, which are expected to take place towards the end of August. Having a player of Doué`s calibre, who previously developed within the competitive environment at Rennes, is seen as vital for their ambitions in European competition this season.
As negotiations stall at the €18 million mark, the situation highlights the classic transfer market dynamic: a buying club testing the waters with lower bids and a selling club holding firm on their perceived value, bolstered by the player`s importance to their immediate plans. Whether AC Milan will be willing to meet Strasbourg`s demands, or if alternative targets will be pursued, remains the central question as this particular transfer saga unfolds.
