Italian heavyweights AC Milan will reportedly give young gloveman Gianluigi Donnarumma a new contract, after turning 17 yesterday.
The prodigious talent has made a string of impressive displays since becoming the youngest ever goalkeeper to start a match in Serie A at the age of 16 years, eight months and eight days against Sassuolo back in October.
Milan boss Sinisa Mihajlovic’s decision to drop former shot-stopper Diego Lopez to the bench in favour of the teenager was considered a huge leap of faith, but he has subsequently been justified.
Donnarumma, who has attracted interest from a host of European clubs, is expected to receive an initial three-year deal in the coming days from the Rossoneri, according to Il Quotidiano Sportivo.
The Milanese outfit can only offer the youngster an initial three-year deal, due to being a minor.
However, he will sign a bumper five-year deal, worth a reported €1 million per season when he turns 18, in an attempt to ward off potential bids from rival sides.
Owner and President of Milan, Silvio Berlusconi had recently declared Donnarumma will be the side’s keeper “for the next 20 years” and affirmed he is not for sale.
The supremo plans to build the club around a core of youthful Italians similar to the model which brought success to Il Diavolo during the late 1980s and early 90s, following a scarce period of silverware.
Donnarumma has amassed 18 league matches this campaign, keeping six clean sheets in the process.
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