Milan turned down an Atalanta approach for Alexis Saelemaekers, rejecting the move instantly, according to Calciomercato.com.
The Belgian was a regular under Massimiliano Allegri, but his standing under Ruben Amorim is less settled. At right wing-back, Amorim leans towards Samuel Chukwueze, and a move into attacking midfield throws Saelemaekers into a crowded field. He looks more like a rotation option than a guaranteed starter this season, which is why Atalanta felt there was an opening.
This was Atalanta's third run at a Milan player this summer, following knock-backs on Ardon Jashari and Samuele Ricci. Cristiano Giuntoli had raised the idea of Saelemaekers with the club, but the answer came quickly and firmly.
Milan value him highly internally, and Amorim in particular rates the flexibility he offers across the pitch. That range is precisely what makes him useful to a coach still working out his best combinations.
With the window this close to shutting, only a lucrative offer would have moved Milan to think about it, and even that was not on the table here. There is no appetite to sell at any price, a stance that hardened further after his display on Friday.
For a squad Amorim is still shaping, keeping a player who can fill several roles is worth more than a late-window fee that would leave a hole he could not fill in time.