AC Milan told to up their offer for Ardon Jashari as Club Brugge play hardball over potential club-record deal

According to a report from Calciomercato, the initial €35 million (£30m/$38m) proposal submitted by AC Milan for Jashari is not enough for Club Brugge, with the Belgian side yet to provide a definitive response to the bid. It's a tactic they are employing in an attempt to receive a higher offer, which would make Jashari the most expensive sale in their club's history.

The report adds that Brugge not giving the final okay for the player's departure is a strategy they are using to drive up the price of the Swiss international. The 2024-25 Belgian Cup winners are anticipating a fee in the region of €40m (£34m/$47m) including variables. However, the proposal sent by Milan sporting director Igli Tare can be considered to be final and non-adjustable. Tare and the Serie A giants were expecting some answer from Brugge on Tuesday, but no further developments have taken place as of yet.

Tare, for his part, is heavily reliant on Jashari's desire to make the switch to Italy. Moreover, his strong relationship with the player's camp and family could still sway the operation in the Rossoneri's favour. The Serie A heavyweights have reportedly set a deadline for this transfer, which means they will not push beyond the limits should Brugge keep playing hardball.

Milan are overseeing a major midfield overhaul, with veteran Serie A manager Massimiliano Allegri at the helm. They have already sealed the deals for Samuele Ricci and Luka Modric, although an official confirmation regarding the Real Madrid icon is pending. Adding Jashari to their ranks could bolster the squad even further, but it remains to be seen how longer Brugge can delay the 22-year-old's potential move to San Siro.