The Spanish newspaper "AS" confirmed that Italian club AC Milan is interested in signing Moroccan winger Abdessamad El Zalzouli, who currently plays for Real Betis, during the upcoming summer transfer window. El Zalzouli joined Betis in the previous summer transfer window from Barcelona for 7.5 million euros on a contract that lasts until the summer of 2028. Barcelona retains the option for first refusal, along with 50% of the player's future sale rights.
According to the report, Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez did not want the talented winger to leave the team, but the player chose to move, convinced by Betis's project. However, he does not have the playing time he had envisioned at the Andalusian club. The report indicated that given El Zalzouli's current situation, Betis is likely to listen to offers for him in the summer, with Milan showing interest in the Moroccan international in recent months.
The newspaper further stated that Betis will need to sell El Zalzouli for at least 15 million euros to avoid financial loss from the player’s transfer, as Barcelona retains half of the amount for which the player would be sold in the future. Additionally, the report mentioned that there is uncertainty surrounding Milan's project for next season, but the success of the Italians in revitalizing the careers of several young players like Brahim Diaz and Theo Hernandez could provide El Zalzouli with a new opportunity.
This season, El Zalzouli played a total of 1,453 minutes with Betis, starting only 5 matches in La Liga, and managed to score 5 goals across all competitions.
