Revealed: How Luka Modric Could Derail AC Milan’s Leon Goretzka Chase

AC Milan’s pursuit of Leon Goretzka could hinge on whether Luka Modric stays at the club.

Luka Modric Uncertain Over AC Milan Future

Modric’s future is uncertain beyond the end of the season, and he has yet to commit to signing a new contract.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the midfield magician is in no hurry to make a decision. Now aged 40, he is instead determined to listen to his body, despite being happy to date with his brief Rossoneri stay.

The former Real Madrid and Tottenham maestro is expected to return to the starting XI against Como on Thursday night, and has played 18 of the 19 Serie A matches so far this season, totalling 1,575 minutes.

This is a truly staggering achievement for a player in the twilight of his career, but his fitness levels continue to astound at the San Siro, allowing Massimiliano Allegri to rely upon him.

Modric’s deal runs down in June, and no decision on a potential renewal is expected in the near future. Talks over his next steps are planned with the club, likely for after the upcoming World Cup.

Milan do, however, hold the option to extend the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner’s contract by a further 12 months.

Speaking in December, he signalled he wants to continue at the club.

“I enjoy myself every day at Milanello and every time I wear the Rossoneri shirt,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I never thought I would come to Milan until I was at Real Madrid. But sometimes in life, things happen when you least expect them. It was a dream come true because I was a Milan supporter since I was a child.”

Their sales pitch may be boosted by the fact that Milan are Modric’s favourite team.

Milan Eye Up Leon Goretzka As Modric Replacement

According to Calciomercato, the lack of clarity over Modric’s future is why Milan could sign Leon Goretzka.

Indeed, the 31-year-old could similarly leave Bayern Munich as a free agent at the end of the season.

Goretzka boasts experience at the very top and has won no less than 15 major trophies during his eight-year stint in Bavaria. Unsurprisingly, Milan are impressed with his credentials and could snap him up in a bargain swoop.

However, per Sky Sport and journalist Matteo Moretto, his hefty wage demands could prove a stumbling block.

The midfielder banks around €7m a year at Bayern, and his advancing age has also caused Milan to hesitate. For now, with Modric to hold off on a final decision until the summer, they can do little but wait.