CSKA Moscow has made it clear it is in no hurry to sell Japanese international Keisuke Honda to AC Milan.
CSKA president Evgeni Giner said in Monday's edition of Gazzetta dello Sport that the club will absolutely not sell Honda short, even if it means letting him walk on a free transfer to the Serie A giant in the winter, when the midfielder's contract with CSKA expires.
Negotiations over Honda's transfer fee have stalled between CSKA and Milan. Honda has essentially said he will not sign an extension with the Russian Premier League outfit.
"He's a true professional and hasn't been any less motivated," Giner said. "He will probably stay with us and will continue to contribute the way he always has."
On Sunday, manager Leonid Slutsky pleaded for Honda to stay after he struck in a 2-1 victory over derby rival Lokomotiv Moscow.
Honda's first-half free kick from almost 30 meters out — his first league goal this season — sent CSKA to its second win of the campaign.
"I hope he stays with the team," Slutsky said of Honda, who played the full 90 minutes. "We need him."