Milan sporting director Igli Tare says Mike Maignan wants to stay and contract talks are advancing, Ardon Jashari is ready for his first Serie A start and Christopher Nkunku remains a Milan player. Betting angle: Maignan’s likely extension strengthens Milan’s defensive outlook — punters might favour backing Milan under 2.5 goals or Maignan to record a clean sheet in upcoming fixtures.
Igli Tare confident as Maignan edges towards contract extension
AC Milan director Igli Tare has confirmed that goalkeeper Mike Maignan wants to remain at the club and that negotiations for a new contract have taken a positive turn. Tare described the relationship with Maignan as “extraordinary” and voiced confidence that common sense will prevail to keep the France international at San Siro.
What Maignan’s decision means for Milan
Keeping Maignan would preserve a cornerstone of Milan’s defensive stability. With the club pushing on in the Scudetto race, retaining a top-class goalkeeper reduces uncertainty at the back and offers continuity for the coaching staff and defence.
Ardon Jashari handed first Serie A start after injury lay-off
Jashari finally earns his first Serie A start following a four-month absence due to an early-season incident. Tare said the midfielder showed “wonderful performances” last season and has improved over the last two months, featuring in the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa to prove he belongs at a club like Milan.
Return from injury and expectations
Jashari’s comeback adds fresh depth in midfield. Tare underlined high expectations for the former Club Brugge man and suggested that his presence could provide creativity and energy that Milan have missed during his absence.
Christopher Nkunku remains a Milan player amid transfer talk
Despite ongoing speculation linking him elsewhere, Tare made it clear that Christopher Nkunku is still a Milan player and that the club is satisfied with his presence in the squad. The comment aims to stem transfer rumours and assert stability regarding key attacking options.
Transfer rumours vs. squad stability
Holding onto Nkunku preserves attacking continuity for Milan. For supporters and bettors alike, confirmation of Nkunku’s status reduces uncertainty around selection and team chemistry in the short term.
Team news and the Como clash
Milan travel to Fiorentina later this week before a home clash with Como, kicking off at Stadio Artemio Franchi at 14:00 GMT (15:00 CET). After a draining 1-1 draw with Genoa, Milan will make changes: the new forward signing from West Ham is set for a first start, while several key players are not at full fitness.
Injuries, suspensions and selection headaches
Rafael Leao, Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot, Youssouf Fofana and Christopher Nkunku are all reported as not fully fit. Fikayo Tomori is suspended and Santiago Gimenez is injured. These absences force tactical adjustments and provide opportunities for squad players to stake a claim.
Scudetto context and immediate opportunities
With Inter and Napoli facing each other this weekend, Milan see a chance to shake up the title race. Tare acknowledged the positive run of form in the first half of the season but stressed the need to minimise errors as the campaign reaches its decisive phase.
Outlook for punters
Tare’s reassurances over Maignan and Nkunku, plus Jashari’s return, paint a picture of relative squad stability. For bettors, that suggests favouring conservative market options tied to defensive solidity and consistent attacking selection, rather than markets hedging on major mid-season departures.
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Milan director Igli Tare confirms Mike Maignan ‘wants to remain’ with a new contract, while...
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