Gianluigi Donnarumma is arguably the most high-profile free agent on the market right now. The AC Milan goalkeeper will see his contract expire on June 30, midway through Italy’s Euro 2020 campaign. But he is about to join a new club and could help Leeds in their bid to keep Illan Meslier.
Donnaruma, 22, is about to leave Milan after 251 appearances for the Serie A club. Even after qualifying for the Champions League, Milan have failed to keep the 26-time Italy international. Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported on Monday evening that Donnarumma will join PSG.
Mauricio Pochettino has won the race to sign the Italian stopper, who is widely considered as one of the best talents under 23 in European football. But his move to PSG, where he is expected to sign a £198,000-a-week deal until 2026, could hand Leeds a massive transfer boost.
PSG also want Meslier – but Donnarumma surely rules that out…
His agent Yvon Pouliquen told Le Telegramme: “PSG are watching, but Illan’s goal is to play, especially at his age. He has just had his first season in the Premier League, he will have to confirm [his level] in the second.”
While his agent states that staying at Leeds and playing regular football was his priority, the chance to join PSG might have tempted Meslier. But surely, PSG signing Donnarumma and combining him with Keylor Navas sees Leeds receive a boost in their chances of keeping Meslier – doesn’t it?
The future could now depend on whether Navas wants to remain at PSG following the addition of Donnarumma. But the ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper still has three years left on his PSG deal. So, PSG signing Donnarumma surely boosts the chances of Leeds keeping Meslier.
