AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has reportedly approved of the takeover bid from Chinese investors which in turn paves the way for completion of the deal.
The 79-year-old had lunch with his family and Fininvest representatives this week to analyse the interested group and their offer, and the conclusion was reached that they are the right people to sell to.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, it has paved the way for both parties to now push on and reach an agreement and conclude the sale with financial details, economic and sporting plans all likely to be assessed in the coming weeks.
Berlusconi is expected to stay on at the club as an honorary President, and it is likely that he will have an influential say in footballing matters at the club moving forward.
That includes choosing the coach for next season as well as decisions in the transfer market, although all dealings have been put on hold until a deal is reached and the takeover is officially confirmed.
While the introduction of new investment will be a welcome sight for Rossoneri supporters, the fact that Berlusconi will still hold such an authoritative position could be an issue moving forward.
The former Italian PM and club vice-president Adriano Galliani have come under intense criticism in recent years for their running of the club, and it can be argued that Milan fans would have been expecting a completely fresh start at the top of the hierarchy.
If Berlusconi remains in such a position, it is highly likely that he’ll keep his trusted right-hand man in Galliani with him, which in turn would suggest that little will change aside from the fact that there would be more money available.
As a result, it’s almost a compromise at this point, and it remains to be seen whether or not it’s a successful one or more changes are likely in the coming years.