Galliani: 'Ronaldinho deal will take time'

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani anticipates a long and arduous negotiation process to bring Barcelona’s Ronaldinho to the San Siro this summer.

The Rossoneri are in pole position to acquire the Brazil playmaker but will have to substantially increase their offer if they wish to reach an agreement with Barca over the transfer for the 2006 FIFA Player of the Year.

“We are negotiating with Barcelona for the acquisition of two players, Ronaldinho and Gianluca Zambrotta,” said Galliani on the club’s official website, www.acmilan.com.

“At this time there is a big margin in terms of figures between our offer and their demands. Hence, we expect a long negotiation process.”

Ronaldinho, who is under contract with Barcelona until 2010, has endured his worst season since he joined the Catalan side from Paris St Germain in 2003.

The South American has been plagued by injury and fitness problems and has started only 13 of the club’s 30 league games so far this season.

The 28-year-old has also been linked with Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City.