Milan remain interested in Udinese star as director opens to sale – the latest

AC Milan are focused on negotiations for Youssouf Fofana, but the management also remain on the trail of Lazar Samardzic and the Udinese sporting director essentially confirmed it.

As Calciomercato.com report, Gianluca Nani spoke during Udinese’s presentation of Alexis Sanchez, who returned to the Stadio Friuli on a free transfer after being released by Inter, and he was asked about Samardzic.

“Samardzic is one of our most coveted players on the market, for him there are some requests for information in Italy… we can say Northern Italy (laughs). On our part there is no desire to let him go so easily” he said.

“The idea is to keep the best players in the squad, unless otherwise satisfactory offers for everyone arrive. In some roles we are a little more covered and we could be more sensitive to accepting important offers, in others we have just signed another good player[Jurgen Ekkelenkamp].”

Samardzic was wanted by Milan when Paolo Maldini was a director back in 2020, before he arrived at Udinese in the 2021 summer transfer market for €3m from RB Leipzig and signed a contract until June 2026.

In his first three seasons in Serie A he scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists in 98 appearances. He also scored against Roma, Napoli, Milan and Inter, which drew the attention of each of those clubs at various times.

The Serbian was in negotiations with Inter a year ago, when he also carried out medical visits in Milan and then returned to Udine following the collapse of the deal. Now the Rossoneri are keen, but Atalanta are the latest team to be linked.