AC Milan have beaten off fierce rivals Inter to sign midfielder Sandro Tonali from Brescia on an initial loan deal with an option to buy.
The highly-rated Italian was relegated from Serie A last season with his only senior club, but has been widely praised for some excellent individual performances despite the disappointment.
Official statement: Sandro Tonali ➡ https://t.co/50gJEvQsx3
Official Communication: Sandro Tonali ➡ https://t.co/03KxYrjdMD
#ReadyToUnleash #AlwaysMilan pic.twitter.com/rYUdytW8X7
— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 9, 2020
Dubbed the ‘new Andrea Pirlo’ in his home country, Milan confirmed the deal to bring the 20-year-old to the San Siro in a statement posted on their official website.
AC Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis said: “We are delighted to welcome Sandro Tonali to AC Milan. He is one of the most promising young talents in international football. love and understanding of his values. This will add to what we want to create together.
Milan’s Technical Area Director, Paolo Maldini, added: “We are excited to welcome Sandro to the Rossoneri family. As a talented, young midfielder he will not only embody the values of AC Milan, but the future success of the club.” I will also play an important role.”
Serie A scrambled to secure his prized signature, while interest spread across Europe with Manchester United previously linked with the deep-lying playmaker.
Tonali dubbed the ‘new Pirlo’ / Pier Marco Ticca / Getty Images
Since bursting onto the scene, Tonali has made three senior appearances for Italy since 2019, while making 89 club appearances and scoring six goals to date. He has also played 11 matches for the Italian Under-19 team and five more for the Under-21 team.
It has also been confirmed by the club that Tonali will wear the number eight jersey, famously previously worn by Gennaro Gatso, and vacated after Soso left the club to join Sevilla. was Milan also confirmed a contract extension for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the first window.
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