AC Milan has initiated a significant move in the transfer market, reportedly submitting an official bid to Strasbourg for their right-back, Guéla Doué. The offer is understood to be in the region of €15 million, signaling Milan`s concrete interest in securing the player`s services.
Who is Guéla Doué?
Guéla Doué, set to turn 23 in October, is a French-born defender who represents Ivory Coast internationally. He is the brother of Désiré Doué, a promising talent currently playing for Rennes. Guéla himself joined Strasbourg just a year ago from Rennes for a reported fee of €6.5 million plus bonuses. His value has clearly seen a rapid increase in the market, a common characteristic of football`s dynamic economics.
The Negotiation Landscape
Strasbourg`s current valuation for Doué is cited at €20 million. This sets up a negotiation gap between Milan`s opening €15 million offer and the French club`s asking price. While not a vast difference, it indicates that discussions will be necessary to bridge the valuation divide and reach an agreement that satisfies both parties.
Milan`s Strategic Intent
The interest in Doué suggests Milan is looking to strengthen their options at right-back and potentially create complementary pairings within the squad. Reports indicate a potential strategy to utilize Doué alongside another player like Alex Jimenez. While Jimenez is noted for his offensive capabilities and dribbling flair on the flank, Doué is characterized by his defensive solidity, pace, and athleticism. His ability to also operate as a right-sided centre-back in a three-man defense adds valuable tactical versatility, offering the technical staff flexibility depending on the opponent and match situation.
Competition for the Signature
Milan is not the only club tracking Doué. Several other teams, including Chelsea, Sunderland, and Eintracht Frankfurt, have also been linked with the defender. The interest from Chelsea is particularly noteworthy, given that they share ownership with Strasbourg through the BlueCo consortium. This relationship could add an interesting dynamic to any potential transfer negotiation, almost making it a… complex family discussion.
What Comes Next
With Milan`s official offer now on the table, the focus shifts to Strasbourg`s response. The French club is expected to make a decision regarding Milan`s bid in the coming days. This period will be crucial in determining whether the Italian giants can secure their target or if other interested parties will intensify their pursuit.