Brescia president Massimo Cellino has revealed that the sought-after starlet Sandro Tonali rejected Barcelona, Manchester United, and Inter Milan to fulfill his childhood dream.
Italian wonder midfielder Sandro Tonali is on the verge of penning a contract with AC Milan after turning down the prospects of linking up with some of Europe’s top clubs.
The 20-year-old deep-lying playmaker has been one of the hottest properties in this window, with several major clubs, including Barcelona, Manchester United, and Inter registering transfer interest.
Although a week ago, the Nerazzurri seemed to be a step away from hiring the prodigious midfielder, their city rivals Milan are now close to winning the race.
In the end, it’s Tonali’s childhood dream of playing for the Rossoneri that has made all the difference, according to the Brescia president Massimo Cellino.
“I know that [Inter CEO] Beppe Marotta really wanted Tonali and that [Inter head coach] Antonio Conte appreciated him, so I think his agent had agreed terms with Inter,’ Cellino told Top Calcio24.
“As soon as Milan showed real interest, he did not want to listen to any other options.
“I also have a historically good rapport with Milan, and we reached an agreement with [Milan technical director] Paolo Maldini quite quickly.
“We also had interest from Barcelona and Manchester United, but the lad is in love with Milan and went crazy once he heard of their offer because he supports them.”
Widely-regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues, Tonali will join Milan on loan with an option to buy at the end of the next season.
The resurgent giants will fork out €10million to secure a loan deal and will have to dish out another €15m to make it permanent next summer plus another €10m in performance-related bonuses.
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