Tuesday, 23rd July, 2013
AC Milan are bracing themselves for a "decisive" session of talks over the future of CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda, as the Serie A giants push for a summer move.
Honda was previously understood to be targeted for a transfer in December, which is when his contract expires.
However, it has now emerged that Milan will be gunning to secure his signature as soon as possible, even if they have not been able to sell Robinho to make intended room.
Honda himself is a fan of Milan, while CSKA appear to be playing financial hardball over the player who boasts 104 appearances in Russia.
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Negotiations are understood to be under way for Honda, while Milan CEO Adriano Galliani remains wary of what could be a key 24 hours for the Japan international.
"These are decisive hours", Galliani was quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport as having said yesterday. "We are pleased that a player like him supports our team.
"I think tomorrow’s (Tuesday’s) meeting will be crucial but today I cannot say anything else."
Agent Ernesto Bronzetti is understood to be handling negotiations between the two clubs and according to him, financial terms were proving to be just one of the stumbling blocks.
CSKA have already revealed that Honda has been subject to offers from various clubs, and the Russian champions are not keen to sell him on the cheap.
Bronzetti is mindful of CSKA’s expectations, but told the same publication: "The player wants to come at all costs. He has been a fan of Milan since he was a child.
"The obstacle is not just economic. The problem is that [CSKA] want to keep the player until December for the Champions League, but he does not want to remain."
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