AS Monaco signs El Shaarawy on season-long loan from AC Milan; deal includes option to buy

AC Milan bolstered their attacking core with a pair of signings this summer, bringing Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano aboard. There was a logjam that manager Sinisa Mihajlovic needed to address.

Monday, he did exactly that.

AS Monaco confirmed the signing of Stephan El Shaarawy, inking the 22-year-old Egyptian-born winger in a deal that will reportedly see Milan pocket €16 million. That's a handsome sum for a player who, though exciting when healthy, has made just 24 appearances over the last two seasons.

(Courtesy: AS Monaco)

Monaco confirmed the deal will see the Egyptian join the club on an initial one-year loan, with an option to make his stay permanent at the end of the upcoming campaign. Though unconfirmed, various reports suggest that option will become mandatory should the 22-year-old make a certain number of appearances with Monaco.

El Shaarawy, who burst onto the scene in 2012-13 when he scored 16 goals, has suffered through a host of significant injuries - primarily foot problems - over the past two seasons, limiting his time on the pitch and, subsequently, his effectiveness.

Milan still released a touching tribute video to the young winger who, despite his injury problems, was responsible for some electrifying moments at the San Siro.

Though neither club has confirmed the terms of the deal, Gazzetta dello Sport, as noted by the Guardian, reports El Shaarawy will sign a five-year deal worth €3 million per season with the Ligue 1 side.