'Ibrahimovic is our priority', says AC Milan director Maldini

Technical director Paolo Maldini insists signing star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a new contract is a top priority for AC Milan.

Ibrahimovic returned to AC Milan in January following a two-season spell in the MLS with LA Galaxy and immediately outlined his intentions to help his old club out of their slump.

True to his word, Zlatan did just that.

The big Swede, who will celebrate his 39th birthday in October, continued to defy his years with an impressive 10 goals and five assists in 18 Serie A appearances to help Milan climb back into the top-six.

The Rossoneri extended his original six-month deal until the end of August because of the coronavirus pandemic, which postponed Italian football for three months.

Hopes of Zlatan still playing football at the San Siro next season, however, appear doubtful. His agent, Mino Raiola, recently confirmed that no agreement has been reached on a new deal.

Milan have reportedly offered the former Manchester United striker a two-year contract worth around €6m-per-season plus performance-related bonuses.

Nonetheless, Maldini remains determined to seal a fresh deal for Zlatan before the new season begins on September 19.

“We are working hard to reach an agreement,” said Maldini in a press conference as quoted on Yahoo.

“We will start the season in 20 days, we know that we will have a short time to prepare and our idea is to close the deal with Ibra soon.

“It’s normal to have a Plan B, even C and D, but we have priorities and Ibrahimovic is our priority.”

On the transfer front, meanwhile, Milan have been linked with Real Madrid duo Luka Jovic and Brahim Diaz along with re-signing former loan star Tiemoue Bakayoko from Chelsea.