Recent football transfer rumors suggested that AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is being targeted by Italian champion Juventus, but club CEO Adriano Galliani is hoping that teenage shot-stopper will stay in Milan for the long-term.

"I hope and I am convinced that he will be a Milan player for many more years," said Galliani, via ESPN. "I believe he will be Buffon's successor (in the Italy national team), even though Gigi is still a great goalkeeper."

Like Us on Facebook

Donnarumma, 17, made his international debut last month spelling his namesake Buffon off the bench, which made him the youngest goalkeeper to ever play for the Italy national football squad.

Former Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, who is now retired and was the club's former starting goalkeeper before Donnarumma, also sees the Italian teenager's future with the team as bright, but he thinks he needs more experience to be considered as one of the elites in the sport at this position.

"I saw him in training and so I knew his qualities," said Abbiati. "The only unknown was how he would cope with the San Siro and the burden of being a first-team player, while another factor is continuity, but he has always maintained his concentration."

Abbiati then acknowledged Donnarumma's focus as a goal tender, saying that he is "already at a high level, but he's got even more to give."

"Particularly in terms of experience - if (Milan) qualify for Europe, that will give him a lot," Abbiati added. "Technically he can still improve with the ball at his feet, but I'm confident he will. As I've already said, nothing about Gigio surprises me anymore." 

Caught Offside noted that Milan head coach Vincenzo Montella has empowered his homegrown young players this season, namely Donnarumma, Alessio Romagnoli, Davide Calabria and Manuel Locatelli, to lead the squad during the games.

It resulted in the team climbing to the fourth spot of the league table, so far, this season after being in the middle of the standings for the past few years.

Keep posted for more football transfer rumors and news updates about Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Tags Football Transfer Rumors, Football Transfer Rumors 2016, Gianluigi Donnarumma, AC Milan, Juventus FC