Barcelona ‘eyeing swoop for outgoing AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on free transfer in summer rebuild with hopes Italian can challenge No 1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen’
- AC Milan confirmed earlier this week Gianluigi Donnarumma will be leaving
- The Italian side have already signed Lille keeper Mike Maignan as a replacement
- Mundo Deportivo claim Barcelona view the Italy stopper as an excellent No 2
- Marc-Andre ter Stegen has suffered with knee issues in the last three seasons
Barcelona are keen on signing Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer this summer, according to reports in Spain.
AC Milan director Paolo Maldini confirmed earlier this week the 22-year-old goalkeeper would depart San Siro after eight years at the club, with Lille stopper Mike Maignan having already been signed as his replacement.
Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the Italy international but Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim he has now emerged as a ‘real option’ for Barcelona.
Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer
AC Milan have already signed Lille stopper Mike Maignan as Donnarumma’s replacement
The report adds that while signing a goalkeeper is not seen as a top priority this summer by the Catalan club’s chiefs, they are keen to pounce on his talent because they would not have to pay a transfer fee.
The same outlet also insists there are concerns around current No 1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s fitness, with the Germany goalkeeper having suffered with knee problems during the last three seasons.
The 29-year-old had a procedure on his knee earlier this month and will therefore miss Euro 2020, but Barcelona view Donnarumma as the ideal candidate to offer him competition at club level.
They will reportedly face competition for Donnarumma though, with Juventus also hoping to sign him this summer.
Barcelona are concerned about Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s knee issues over the last few years
However, the report states the Italian’s agent Mino Raiola is willing to discuss a deal with Barcelona, although the same does not apply for Erling Haaland, with Borussia Dortmund unwilling to let the Norway star leave this summer.
Barcelona’s current No 2 Neto reportedly wants to leave the club, but ter Stegen signed a new deal at the club until 2025 last year and has no intention of leaving.
The promotion of Barcelona B goalkeeper Inaki Pena to the first team has also been discussed, but the club are said to want a more experienced option as backup to ter Stegen.
Speaking about Donnarumma’s departure earlier this week, Maldini said: ‘Gigio was a leader and often the captain. People sometimes don’t realise what it means to be a professional, it means you must be ready to change club.
Mino Raiola (L) is willing to negotiate with Barcelona for Donnarumma, but not Erling Haaland (R)
‘It’s difficult to accept, I realise, but it’s also increasingly difficult to see a career in one team. We must respect those who gave so much to Milan and remember Donnarumma did not lack respect for us.
‘It can happen that at times you have to take different paths. I can only wish him the best.’
Barcelona also remain confident of tying Lionel Messi down to a fresh contract despite the threat of being banned from the Champions League.
The Argentine is expected to sign new terms once he has played for Argentina in the Copa America.
AC Milan director Paolo Maldini (centre) confirmed earlier this week Donnarumma would go
