AC Milan face difficult Karetsas deal as Genk set asking price but sales must come first

After signing Gonçalo Ramos and Mario Gila, AC Milan have identified their next summer target: Konstantinos Karetsas, Genk’s young Greek attacking midfielder and winger.

The 19-year-old left-footer has stood out for his creativity, providing 16 assists this season. Milan have been tracking him since November, when then sporting director Geoffrey Moncada watched him in person during Braga v Genk, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The situation
Genk, however, have no intention of offering a discount. After turning down a €30m bid from Borussia Dortmund, the Belgian club tied Karetsas down to a new contract until 30 June 2029, strengthening their hand in negotiations. As Genk’s head of football Dimitri De Condé confirmed to Het Laatste Nieuws, the player - who has recovered from an ankle injury and is now back to full fitness - remains focused on the present with the Belgian side.

The club value him at around €40m, and there appears to be no room for that figure to come down.

How Milan could get there
To fund the move, Milan will first need to raise money through sales. That starts with Rafael Leão, who at the end of May made it clear he wanted a change of scene but has yet to receive an offer Milan consider suitable. The only concrete interest so far has come from Galatasaray, who have put forward a salary proposal worth around €10m net but have not yet held detailed talks with Milan. For now, Leão is not open to a move to Turkey.