Despite locking down Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas as their prime target in the January transfer window,AC Milan are set for disappointment in that pursuit as he closes in on a move to Monaco.
Although Blues boss Maurizio Sarri did claim before the transfer window opened that he did want to keep the Spaniard at Stamford Bridge, it now appears likely that he will move on this month.
According to L’Equipe, Monaco’s greater payroll flexibility and the fact that they are coached by Fabregas’ close friend Thierry Henry, who he played alongside at Arsenal, is the deciding factor in seeing him move to Ligue 1.
Given their Financial Fair Play restrictions, the Rossoneri had attempted in vain in recent weeks to thrash out a deal with the London club that would see him move to the San Siro on a loan deal until the end of the current campaign.
Monaco have no such restrictions and can offer the former Barcelona man a contract closer to the €10 million per season he currently earns (Milan were only willing to go as high as €6m) in a deal until 2021.
That is now set to see the player choose Monaco over Milan and it is also reported in France that a deal could even be agreed and confirmed as early as the start of next week.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com