AC Milan remain determined to secure the signing of Lazar Samardzic from Udinese, as negotiations continue with potential trade-offs being explored to facilitate the transfer of the Serbian midfielder.
Calciomercato detail how despite a successful pre-season tour in the United States, where Milan won all three matches, their transfer activity has been relatively quiet with only two signings: Strahinja Pavlovic from Salzburg and Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid. These acquisitions were made to replace Simon Kjaer and Olivier Giroud. However, coach Paulo Fonseca’s squad is still incomplete, with reinforcements needed in midfield and the attacking midfield positions.
Lazar Samardzic has been a target for Milan’s management, particularly Moncada and Furlani, throughout the summer. Udinese’s recent acquisition of Jurgen Ekkelenkamp from Antwerp suggests they are preparing for Samardzic’s potential departure. Ekkelenkamp, a talented midfielder from Ajax’s youth system, is expected to fill Samardzic’s role alongside Thauvin in Udinese’s formation, indicating that the Serbian could be on his way out.
Udinese have set a price of €20 million plus bonuses for Samardzic, a valuation Milan have so far rejected. The Rossoneri attempted to lower the cost by offering player exchanges, but Udinese turned down proposals involving Yacine Adli and Tommaso Pobega. Instead, Udinese expressed interest in Milan’s youth players, Kevin Zeroli and Davide Bartesaghi, although Milan is reluctant to part with these promising talents.
While Milan prioritizes other transfer targets, such as Emerson Royal and midfielders Youssouf Fofana and Manu Koné, the club remains hopeful of securing Samardzic. The player has already expressed his desire to join Milan, instructing his agent to finalize the deal, with commission agreements reportedly settled at under €5 million. Negotiations are ongoing, and Milan is prepared to continue discussions to bring Samardzic to the San Siro.
