CSKA Moscow manager Aleksei Berezutski has confirmed that Nikola Vlasic is forcing an exit from the club, while also insisting that the club will hold its own in the market.
The Russian club played their final preseason game yesterday, with Vlasic remaining on the bench and not even participating in the warm-up.
With their season set to start in a week, this is a strong indicator that the two parties could be set to take different paths in the coming days.
According to a report from Calciomercato.com, AC Milan's management are very interested in the Croatian, making an offer of €5 million in a paid loan, with a €20 million option to buy plus bonuses.
CSKA are reportedly asking for €30 million, also being eager to have an obligation to buy included in the deal.
Vlasic was interviewed after the game, and he was asked by reporters over his future at the club, with him simply replying "I don't know."
The report also claims that there are plenty of cracks in his relationship with the Russian club, with Berezutski also being asked about the rumours surrounding Vlasic and that the Croatian had asked not to play.
"Everyone knows the situation. Nikola said many times that he wants to change club and play at a higher level. This is normal and this is football," Berezutski said.
"But Vlasic and his entourage must understand – no one will be let go for free. He costs a lot of money. He has a release clause. For such a situation the club is completely ready."
Vlasic managed 12 goals and provided six assists for CSKA last season, and he also managed to score a goal at Euro 2020 for Croatia.
Vlasic joined CSKA from Everton on an initial loan in 2018, with the move being made permanent in 2019 for €15.70 million, and so CSKA could be set to make a huge profit on his sale, whether they sell him this summer or the next.
The coming days are set to be decisive for Vlasic, who still has a contract until June 2024 with the Russian club.
