AC Milan confirm Donnarumma departure

David Lynch

• Updated: 27 May 2021 15:25 BST
• 2 min read

Gianluigi Donnarumma will leave AC Milan on a free transfer this summer, the club’s technical director Paolo Maldini has confirmed.

Signed to the Italians’ youth academy at the age of 14, Donnarumma made his senior debut just two years later and has been first choice between the sticks ever since.

However, he has won just one trophy in his six seasons in the first team – the 2016 Supercoppa Italiana.

And, with the four-year contract he signed in JUly 2017 expiring this summer, the 22-year-old has elected to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

“He was a protagonist, a leader and often a captain,” Maldini revealed in an interview on the club’s official Twitch channel.

“A professional must also be ready to change his shirt. It is increasingly difficult to start a career in one place and finish it there.

“We must thank those who gave so much for Milan and Gigio did it, without ever disrespecting the club. Our paths divide here and I can only wish him the best.”

What next for Donnarumma?

Donnarumma has been most strongly linked with a move to Milan’s Serie A rivals Juventus, who are losing the legendary Gianluigi Buffon this summer.

However, a move to the Premier League should not be ruled out.

Chelsea are reportedly considering the Italian as a replacement for Edouard Mendy, who has fared well after taking Kepa Arrizabalaga’s place but is widely considered a stop-gap.

Manchester United have also been touted as suitors, with both David de Gea and Dean Henderson having failed to make the No.1 shirt their own.

Who replaces Donnarumma?

Milan have already moved to secure a replacement for their departing goalkeeper.

Mike Maignan, who helped Lille end Paris Saint-Germain’s strangehold on the Ligue 1 title this season, is believed to be close to completing a switch to Italy.

The Frenchman, who has a single senior cap to his name, is reportedly on the verge of sealing a €15 million move to San Siro.