Santiago Gimenez's father, Christian, has confirmed that talks over a move to Porto are still alive, even after Milan turned down the Portuguese club's opening offer.
The move being discussed is a loan with a view to a permanent transfer, structured either through an option to buy or a conditional obligation. Recent reports had already placed Gimenez close to the exit, and his father's words point to a deal that both sides still want to push through.
Christian Gimenez spoke about his son's situation in an interview with FOX Sports Mexico, relayed by Calciomercato.com. He described the opening exchanges plainly, noting that Milan had rejected Porto's first bid but that the negotiation had not stalled.
"Santiago is doing better now [has recovered from injury]. Negotiations for his transfer are underway, and Porto have made an initial offer. Milan have declined, but the deal is continuing. I feel like this could be a great opportunity, and it comes at a difficult time," he said.
He framed the interest as a reward at a low point for his son, who spent much of last season struggling with fitness. "After last year, he had several difficulties, especially with injuries. When a team like Porto comes looking for you at such a difficult time, it's a very positive thing."
The father also acknowledged that the arrival of a new striker has changed the picture at Milan. "A lot can happen in your career, but things just didn't go as expected and as hoped at Milan. He had this problem, he was a starter and didn't want to leave the team, but his ankle kept getting worse."
He closed on the squad reality now facing his son. "When something like that happens, you lose consistency and the situation gets complicated. Now they've signed a striker for €70m, so everything becomes more difficult."
No fee for the potential Porto deal was disclosed, and the gap between the opening offer and Milan's valuation has not been reported.
From here, it is on Milan and Porto to close the distance between the rejected bid and an agreement, with Gimenez's camp already signalling their willingness to go.