Russian Super League outfit FC Zenit Saint Petersburg want no less than €100 million from Serie A suitors AC Milan and Juventus for midfielder Axel Witsel.
The Italian duo have long been linked with the Belgian international, but this latest announcement from the Russian club’s hierarchy could finally put an end to their interest.
“At the moment, we are ruling out [Axel] Witsel’s departure,” said Zenit director general Maxim Mitrofanov to ITAR-TASS in his homeland.
“If a club presents us with an offer worth €100 million, only then will we let him go.”
Another team reportedly monitoring the situation is English Premier League champions Chelsea, but even they would be unlikely to stump up such a high fee for the Liege-born 26-year-old.
Former Belgian Young Footballer of the Year Witsel lifted the Russian league title and Super Cup this year, while also claiming the Golden Shoe in his home country back in 2008, having been voted the top division’s best player while at Standard Liege.
