RELAX TIME: After EURO 2024 final loss, Kobbie Mainoo takes a break in LA with his brother.
Giants in Serie A make first bids valued €17m for Manchester United target 25-year-old
From French club Monaco, AC Milan has entered the race for Manchester United’s target, Youssouf Fofana, claims Gianluca Di Marzio. Worth €17 million, the Italian giants have made their initial bid for the midfielder. Apart from United, Spanish team Atletico Madrid keeps an eye on the athlete.With his exploits for both club and national, the French midfielder has drawn the attention of several teams all throughout Europe. Didier Deschamps, the manager of the French national team, prefers the 25-year-old as a vital member in guiding his squad to the second straight World Cup final in 2022.
Fofana also starred in three of France’s six Euro Championship games, just recently finished. Having played for French team Strasbourg, the midfielder joined Monaco in 2020. Having shown for both French teams, he has become among Ligue 1’s greatest midfield players.
With his performance for Monaco last season—four goals and four assists in thirty-five appearances in all competitions—he has drawn the attention of European clubs. Currently on his last year of contract with Monaco, he is connected to several teams this summer.
Monaco expects €35m for the services of the midfielder; Milan, who recently entered the Fofana contest, have made a bid valued €17m. Given Milan’s offer is far less than their estimated level, the French side is probably going to reject it. Monaco might cut their price somewhat, but they are not expected to drop below €20 million.One of United’s main concerns for the next season is strengthening the midfield section. Although they are poised to sell some seasoned midfielders this summer, they have not made any acquisitions in midfield. United is likely to offload Scott McTominay even though the player wants to stay.
Not mentioned in Ten Hag’s new strategy, the Red Devils are also connected with other teams to sell Christian Eriksen. The club has to thus get a new center midfielder this summer. Kobbie Mainoo’s success for the England national team in the Euro campaign has delighted the Dutch boss; also, the youthful player helped the Red Devils raise the FA Cup by scoring a goal against Manchester City.
Ten Hag are aiming Fofana as a replacement for the English youngster, and Mainoo will be their main central midfielder for the forthcoming season. Experience of the French midfielder will also benefit the Red Devils in the middle of the field.