AC Milan chief Ivan Gazidis 'to hold talks with Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 17 May 2019

Ivan Gazidis 'to hold talks with Maurizio Sarri'

AC Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis reportedly arranges a face-to-face meeting with Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri over the possibility of replacing Gennaro Gattuso.

AC Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis has reportedly arranged a face-to-face meeting with Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri regarding the prospect of replacing Gennaro Gattuso at San Siro.

Gattuso is expected to leave Milan this summer regardless of whether he can lead the club to a top-four finish in Serie A, with three points currently separating them from the Champions League places and only two games remaining of the season.

Sarri's own future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain too, despite the Italian having led the Blues to a third-placed finish in the Premier League as well as the finals of the EFL Cup and Europa League - the latter of which takes place later this month.

The 60-year-old has been forced to contend with questions over his playing style and unrest amongst the supporters this season, but his reputation remains strong in Italy following an impressive spell at Napoli.

Sport Mediaset claims that Milan are now ready to offer Sarri a €3m (£2.6m) salary after tax if he returns to Serie A as they look to fend off interest from domestic rivals Roma.

Former Arsenal chief Gazidis will first meet with Sarri to discuss terms, although Milan are only likely to move for him if he is sacked by Chelsea rather than trying to poach him from the Premier League outfit.