According to Bild, AC Milan has emerged as the first club to formally approach Borussia Mönchengladbach with an offer for midfielder Manu Koné, who is eager to leave his current team this summer. Milan’s initial bid is reported to be around €16 million. However, Borussia Mönchengladbach is holding out for a higher price, with a target of approximately €25 million for the 23-year-old talent. Despite the current gap, a compromise in the region of €20 million is still a possibility.
Borussia Mönchengladbach had high hopes of setting a new sales record with Koné’s transfer. However, the midfielder’s development has stalled over the past couple of seasons, impacting the club’s ambitions. Moving to AC Milan would align with Koné’s desire to compete in the Champions League, especially following his recent achievement of winning a silver medal with France at the Olympics.
If Koné does depart Borussia Park this summer, it would provide Gladbach with crucial funds to support their ongoing squad overhaul. So far, their summer transfer activity has been limited to the acquisitions of Philipp Sander, Kevin Stöger, and Tim Kleindienst, aimed at improving their position after finishing 14th in the league last season.
For Koné, joining Milan represents a significant step forward in his career, offering him the chance to showcase his talents on a larger European stage. Meanwhile, Gladbach’s potential sale would allow them to reinvest in their squad and address areas needing improvement as they prepare for the upcoming season.