It was never a secret that AC Milan were after the services of Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis for the entire summer transfer window.
But to the respite of the Gunners, Gazidis did not join the Italian side in the summer, and has yet to make a decision regarding his future, whether to continue at the London club, or take up a new challenge at the Serie A club.
Times: Milan’s owners are understood to have offered Gazidis a stake in the club having been taken over this summer by Elliot Management after former owner Li Yonghong failed to repay a debt to the American company. pic.twitter.com/tk6TJdXzmg
— Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) September 4, 2018
Milan approached Arsenal CEO over the summer by the Italian club’s new owners Elliott Management. Paul Singer, who is involved with Elliott Management, is close with Gazidis. Although as reported by Corriere Dello Sport, Gordon Singer, son of Paul Singer, is an Arsenal fan himself, and thus he is insisting on bringing in the 53-year-old to San Siro, despite the Premier League club’s will to keep him as their CEO for many years.
Ivan Gazidis declined to comment on AC Milan rumours when quizzed by Layth of the Islington Gazette right after @ArsenalWFC win v @LiverpoolFCW https://t.co/6pAUyAfJm7
— Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) September 11, 2018
The chief executive informed the North London club’s board last month about AC Milan’s lucrative offer to him, €4 million per season. However, Arsenal denied such rumours that Ivan Gazidis had formally given notice to leave the Premier League club for the Serie A club. Reports also mentioned about growing exasperation among a number of Arsenal’s senior management team, including their new manager Unai Emery, by the uncertainty surrounding the future of Gazidis.
Ivan Gazidis is demanding an expensive ‘golden parachute’ clause to be granted in his contract with AC Milan & that’s why he is yet to sign. Elliott will make a decision on his request/appointment by the end of September [via Sole24Ore’s @carlopaolofesta] pic.twitter.com/a98mHEvqjr
— Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) September 10, 2018
However, if new reports are to be believed, it could be good news for the Gunners. AC Milan is ready to give up on its pursuit of Gazidis. The Serie A club is in a hurry to appoint their new CEO, as it would like to present its new organisational chart to UEFA as soon as possible. Seeking the opportunity, Gazidis has requested several incentivised clauses, in addition to the €4 million per season offered to him, which the San Siro based club is not willing to negotiate, and the Italian club is now ready to look for alternate options, which includes their former employee Umberto Gandini, currently working at Roma.
New: Report: AC Milan tired of Gazidis chase https://t.co/6bTDL8FeOB #arsenal #afc pic.twitter.com/ABYQbu40Dk
— arseblognews (@arseblognews) September 10, 2018
With head coach Unai Emery being very vocal about him hoping Gazidis stays at Arsenal, therefore Emery and the Arsenal board members can have some respite regarding Ivan Gazidis’ future at the club, and he can continue doing his remarkable job for the North London club, since his appointment in 2009.
