Ivan Gazidis, AC Milan chief executive, and the club’s sporting strategy and development director, Paulo Maldini, have reportedly clashed over a deal for Mesut Ozil, a report has said.
Milan are reportedly considering a move for the former Germany international, but the “power brokers” at the San Siro are said to be at loggerhead on whether to sign the former Real Madrid player.
According to Italian newspaper, Corriere dello Sport, the relationship between Gazidis and Maldini has deteriorated over their opinions.
Gazidis served as Arsenal’s chief executive for about 10 years, before leaving in 2018 to assume same role at Milan. He is said to believe that Ozil does not fit into the club’s recruitment strategy, considering that his age and wage demands are not suitable.
But Maldini, who won seven Serie A titles and five European Cups with the club, is of the opinion that Milan should take the chance to sign a player of Ozil’s calibre.
The midfielder has fallen out of favour with coach Unai Emery at the Emirates Stadium and he is said to be close to leaving the club.
Ozil has not started any of Arsenal’s last four games.
The report said his £350,000-per-week wages is affecting the club’s finances and the fact that he is no longer a first-team regular has brought his contract under more scrutiny.
The report added that the London club are willing to listen to offers for Ozil, but his wage bill has remained a scare for most clubs.
Another report claimed that the record FA Cup holders may have to subsidize his wages, so as to hasten his sale.
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