Tijjani Reijnders has confirmed that he is close to signing a new contract with AC Milan despite reported interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
The 26-year-old box-to-box midfielder has established himself as a first-team regular for the Rossoneri since joining from AZ Alkmaar for around £17m in the summer of 2023.
Reijnders chipped in with four goals and four assists in 50 appearances for Milan across all competitions last season, helping the Italian giants finish second in Serie A.
The 20-cap Netherlands international has since made a positive start to the new campaign and has already recorded six goals and three assists in 17 matches, including three goals across two Champions League wins over Club Brugge and Real Madrid.
Reijnders, who also scored a brace in Milan's 3-0 Serie A win over Empoli last weekend, is understood to have caught the attention of several European clubs ahead of the January transfer window, including Premier League champions Manchester City.
© Imago
Reijnders wanted by four Premier League teams
Man City, who have been tipped to sign a new midfielder in January due to the long-term absence of injured star Rodri, have allegedly identified Reijnders as an ideal player for Pep Guardiola's style of football at the Etihad Stadium.
A recent report claims that Arsenal could table an 'astronomical' offer to sign Reijnders next summer, with Mikel Arteta said to be a big admirer of the midfielder's technical ability and versatility.
Premier League leaders Liverpool are understood to have earmarked Reijnders as an ideal alternative to Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, who rejected a move to Anfield last summer, while Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest.
However, all four Premier League clubs and any other potential suitors now appear to have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Reijnders, as he has revealed that contract negotiations with Milan are "on the right track".
© Imago
Reijnders to commit long-term future to Milan
"I haven't signed yet, but we're on the right track," said Reijnders on Ziggo Sport's show Rondo. "It's a nice reward that the club wants to hand me.
"It doesn't happen often to get a contract extension after just one year. I'm in a great club, and it's nice to see that they are pleased with me. I feel very good right now, which helps me reach my goals. I'm comfortable living in the city too."
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Reijnders is fully committed to Milan despite the growing interest in his services, and he is set to put pen to paper on a new long-term contract until 2030 - his current deal expires in 2028.
The midfielder is set to see his wages rise from €1.7m to over €3m annually and an official announcement from Milan 'could come in short order'.
Oliver Thomas
