The Italian football club AC Milan has shown serious interest in Real Madrid’s Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and considers him a possible replacement for the French national team goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Lunin’s position in Madrid makes the transfer particularly realistic, writes Defensacentral.
Andriy Lunin. Photo: Getty ImagesDuring the club’s pause for national matches, Real Madrid is actively discussing the future of several players, and Andriy Lunin’s situation has once again become the focus of attention. The Ukrainian goalkeeper wasn’t called up to the national team and at the same time learned of Milan’s attempt to finalize his transfer.
The Italians have been trying to extend Maignan’s contract for several months, but there has been no progress. At Milan, they fear that the Frenchman will be able to freely negotiate with other clubs from January 1 and leave for free in the summer. Against this background, the Rossoneri are studying the market and see Lunin as a priority option.
The position of the Ukrainian in Real Madrid fuels the interest. Under Xabi Alonso, as well as his predecessor, Courtois remains the constant first choice, and Lunin hasn’t gained a single minute this season. Theoretical chances will only appear in the Copa del Rey, but this may not be enough to keep him at the club.
Milan’s problem lies in the terms of the contract: the agreement of the 26-year-old Ukrainian national team player with the Madrid club is valid until 2030. The Italian club hopes to spend a maximum of around 8−10 million euros, although this amount might not satisfy Real, which highly values the Ukrainian’s potential.
In Milan, they well remember Andriy’s brilliant campaign in the Champions League two seasons ago, when he replaced the injured Courtois and particularly shone in matches against Leipzig and Manchester City, saving two penalties in the series against the English. It is precisely this reputation that makes the Italians consider him a ready first-choice goalkeeper for the coming years.
