The signing of the deed comes after the city council on September 29 approved a resolution selling the iconic ground to the Serie A clubs for 197 million euros, so they can knock it down and build a modern stadium on the site.

In a joint statement, Inter and Milan welcomed the completion of the move.

“The construction of the new stadium and the urban regeneration project for the San Siro district represents a new chapter for the City of Milan and both Clubs,” they said.

“The strategic milestone reflects the shared ambition of AC Milan and Inter and their respective owners, RedBird and funds managed by Oaktree, for long-term sporting success and value-enhancing investment to support the Clubs’ sustainable growth.

“The Clubs have entrusted Foster + Partners and MANICA with the design and development of the new world-class stadium and the masterplan for the surrounding area.

“The stadium will meet the highest international standards and is destined to become a new architectural icon for the City of Milan.

“As part of the project, a new centre of excellence will also be established, reflecting the sporting and cultural vocation that defines the San Siro district and the entire city, while redefining the urban space through innovation, sustainability and accessibility.”

Milan prosecutors, meanwhile, have started probing possible illegal collusion in relation to the sale, ANSA sources said.

On Wednesday, they spoke to Claudio Trotta, one of the founders of the Sì Meazza committee that opposed the plan to knock down the San Siro and redevelop the site, the sources said.

In an open letter to Mayor Giuseppe Sala, Trotta said that he and some other entrepreneurs in the live-entertainment sector had wanted to bid for the stadium but had been unable to do so because the timeline of the city’s bidding process made it impossible.

ANSA