AC Milan is reportedly keen on strengthening their right-back position and has identified Strasbourg`s Guéla Doué as a prime target. However, securing the young Ivorian defender appears to be anything but straightforward.
Reports indicate the Italian giants have already submitted multiple bids to Strasbourg in their effort to bring the 22-year-old to Serie A. An initial offer believed to be around €15 million was quickly dismissed by the French club.
Undeterred, Milan reportedly returned with an improved proposal, raising their bid to €18 million over the weekend. While this represents an increase on their first approach, this figure still sits a significant distance – precisely €10 million – below Strasbourg`s firm valuation of €28 million. It seems Strasbourg is not in the mood for a discount on their asset.
The Negotiation Stalemate
This substantial difference in valuation presents a considerable obstacle to the transfer. The slow pace of negotiations and the recurring offers that fall significantly below their asking price could, from Strasbourg`s perspective at least, be interpreted as a lack of serious intent or simply a classic negotiation tactic from the Milanese club. Whatever the underlying reason, it`s unlikely to endear the Rossoneri to the Ligue 1 side.
Guéla Doué, an Ivory Coast international, has attracted attention with his performances, making him a desirable prospect for clubs like Milan. Interestingly, he is also the older brother of Désiré Doué, a highly-rated talent currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain.
As things currently stand, AC Milan remains well short of meeting Strasbourg`s demands for the right-back. Closing this €10 million gap will require a significant shift in Milan`s financial approach or potentially signal the end of their pursuit of Guéla Doué. The football transfer window frequently features such financial standoffs, and this one appears poised to continue unless a compromise, or a considerable increase in bid, materializes from the Italian side.
