Chelsea face race against time to hijack transfer as double deal close

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Jul 2024 10:17 BST
• 3 min read

AC Milan are keen to complete the signing of Strahinja Pavlovic within the next week, according to Italian media.

The Serbia international is not coming off a particularly great season at team level, but he did enough on a personal level to put his name on the map.

Pavlovic is in demand this summer after impressing at RB Salzburg even though they relinquished their decade-long vice grip on the Austrian domestic game after being pipped to the league and cup titles by Sturm Graz.

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The 23-year-old centre-back has been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks, but it is looking increasingly unlikely that he will be playing his football at Stamford Bridge next season.

Last week, it was revealed that the player has agreed personal terms with AC Milan and the Rossoneri are now keen on striking a quick deal, though work still needs to be done.

Milan eye double swoop

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Milan are ready to 'advance' in their pursuit of the defender, while Calciomercato goes a step further and states that they want to wrap up the deal within the next week.

One potential issue is the small discrepancy between what the Rossoneri are willing to pay and what Salzburg are demanding. Previously, it was claimed that the Austrian giants were asking for €30 million, whereas now they have lowered their demands to €25m. Milan, however, are only prepared to pay €20m.

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Meanwhile, they remain in talks with AS Monaco over midfielder Youssouf Fofana, with the situation very similar. The Frenchman is keen on the move, but Milan trying to lowball their counterparts, offering first €12m and now €14m/15m for a player with a €20m price tag.

However, Milan feel confident that they will be able to secure the signatures of both in the coming days. With both players pushing for a move to the San Siro, the Rossoneri are in a strong negotiating position, especially when it comes to Fofana, who is out of contract next year.