AC Milan Still Keen On Arsenal Target M’Baye Niang

Friday, 24th August, 2012

AC Milan have not given up hope of snapping up young Caen striker M’Baye Niang, despite appearing to be well short of the Normans’ valuation of the 17-year-old.

Niang has interested a great many clubs over the last year, with his mature performances in Ligue 1 for Caen generating much praise and analysis of his potential.

The goal-getter has spent time with Arsenal this summer and sources in France indicated that the Gunners were keen to take Niang to the Emirates Stadium on a permanent basis – but could not find an agreement with Caen.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s interest is not thought to have died, but now Milan are trying to secure a coup by thrashing out terms with Caen.

The now-Ligue 2 club, following the pain of relegation from Ligue 1 last season, look set to face a battle to keep hold of Niang.

Milan want to take the 17-year-old on loan for the season, with a purchase option set at €3M which can be activated at the end of the campaign.

Such a fee looks too little for the Normans, but with Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, in addition to Arsenal, still linked with the striker, the Rossoneri may be under pressure to improve their offer if it is, as expected, knocked back.