AC Milan set to sign young Real Madrid full-back in cut price deal

AC Milan's summer transfer market preparations have already begun. Charles De Ketelaere has already been permanently sold to the club from Atalanta following a loan spell this season. The next move, however, might include a new transfer that will help the youth team. The Serie A club is in talks to make Alex Jimenez's stay permanent.

According to Matteo Moretto, AC Milan ownership and Real Madrid have reached an agreement regarding keeping the player. The Rossoneri will shell out 5 million euros in transfer fees. The young Spanish left-back is scheduled to play for Milan's U-23 squad in Serie C and might get called up to the senior team as needed.

It should be remembered that AC Milan has a chance of landing Jimenez for only €5 million. The key source of dispute in the talks is Real Madrid's wish to maintain a buyback provision for the player. It is normal for Real Madrid's youth players to depart the club and play elsewhere. The team had successfully negotiated a similar condition for Fran Garcia, who had signed for half the sum. Real Madrid intends to use a similar technique against Alex Jimenez's permanent deal at AC Milan.

Alex Jimenez - the next Dani Carvajal in the making?

Real Madrid's aim to acquire the buyback option for Jimenez seems unsurprising, given the club's limited options at right-back.Dani Carvajal is certain to stay for another year, and Lucas Vazquez will probably agree to a contract extension. However, none of these stars is growing any younger, therefore the team sorely needs some new blood.

That is the point where Alex Jimenez enters the fray. The Spaniard has demonstrated outstanding ability with AC Milan and will be given an exceptional chance to prove himself as one of Europe's most gifted fullbacks next season. If Jimenez succeeds at AC Milan, the Spanish giants may contemplate bringing him back in a couple of years, providing they can include the clause in his contract with AC Milan.