The summer transfer window continues its familiar dance of bids, valuations, and negotiation standoffs. This time, the spotlight falls on AC Milan and their pursuit of Strasbourg`s promising right-back, Guéla Doué.
According to reports emerging from France, the Italian giants have formally submitted a second offer in their attempt to lure the young defender to Serie A. This follow-up bid, understood to be worth a significant €18 million, represents an increase on their initial proposal, which was reportedly in the region of €15 million.
Milan`s interest in Doué highlights their ongoing strategic planning for the squad, seeking to reinforce key positions with young talent possessing both current ability and future potential. A dynamic right-back is clearly on their wishlist as they look to add depth and quality to their defensive options.
However, it appears Strasbourg is currently in no mood to simply roll over. The Ligue 1 club reportedly views Milan`s improved €18 million offer as still falling short of their valuation for the player. Doué, a 22-year-old Ivory Coast international and the elder sibling of Rennes` much-talked-about talent Désiré Doué, is considered a valuable asset by the Alsatian side.
Despite his relative youth, Doué has accumulated important experience and is seen as a crucial piece within Strasbourg`s setup, particularly in guiding a youthful squad. This perceived importance to the team structure, combined with his potential, underpins their desire to hold out for a higher fee.
Sources close to the negotiation suggest there remains a notable gap between what Milan is prepared to pay and what Strasbourg believes their player is worth. The current stance from the French club indicates they are unlikely to accept the latest bid, setting the stage for further discussions – or potentially sending Milan back to the drawing board.
Whether AC Milan will choose to sweeten the pot with a third offer, or if they will pivot to explore alternative targets for the right-back spot, remains the central question hanging over this potential transfer saga. For now, Strasbourg seems determined to get top value for their man, leaving Milan to ponder their next move in the high-stakes game of football finance.
