Stefano Pioli’s pre-Udinese press conference has shed some light on several topics. Most interestingly, though, are the topics concerning AC Milan’s potential mercato movements during the rest of this month.
Before the January window opened, there was a heavy emphasis placed on the fact that the window would have to be one of opportunities, given the financial implications of the Champions League knock-out.
Opportunities have not been few and far between, though, and there is a belief that there can – and will be – more opportunities as the window progresses. Stefano Pioli’s pre-match press conference (that can be found here) shed some light on the areas the Rossoneri will target.
Defenders
Firstly, the elephant in the room: Defenders. There has been an outcry for defensive reinforcement leading up to the January window. Whilst Milan added Matteo Gabbia back to their ranks, there is still a need/desire for another central defender.
Reports suggest that it will be at least a month before Malick Thiaw’s return, and Fikayo Tomori should return soon after that. However, there will be at least another month’s wait until Pierre Kalulu returns, with the club not wanting to rush his return.
As a result, the Diavolo have been continuously hunting for another central defender. Pioli confirmed that this is something the club are working on, also detailing what traits any incoming defender must possess.
Are you still looking for a defender?
“Yes, yes, the choices we want to make in this market won’t change: the club is working. There are still two weeks.”
What characteristics should the defender you are looking for have?
“A complete defender. To play for Milan, you have to be a complete defender, capable of defending, of build-up, of participating in the attacking manoeuvre. A strong and solid player, many important characteristics.”
Recently, the chosen one seemed to be Alessandro Buongiorno. However, with Urbano Cairo refusing a January sale, Milan will have to pause their inquests for him and turn to other routes, at least for now.
The reason for this wording is that when the defender was presented with the Rossoneri’s offer, he did not refuse it. Instead, he refused to force a move out of respect for his current club.
Midfielders
In midfield, there is also somewhat of a shortage, albeit less so than the one in defence. Ismael Bennacer is currently at the African Cup of Nations, Tommaso Pobega is sidelined, and Rade Krunic departed earlier in the month.
Whilst Kevin Zeroli has been called upon, Milan, like with all of their Primavera options, are reluctant to fully move him to a senior team player. So, they could invest in their midfield, which Pioli confirmed, but again it is reliant upon opportunities.
Are you satisfied with the number of midfielders?
“I believe that if there is the possibility we could do something on the transfer market, we lost Pobega for a long time, we have Bennacer in the Africa Cup of Nations, and we lost Krunic. There may be the possibility of an addition, but it then depends on the opportunities.”
arthur vermeeren from royal antwerp or try for khephren thuram
We need a pure attacking midfielder
Rafa Or Ricardo Horta then if you are wanting pure CAM Or younger we could try for Takefusa Kubo
Who told you Kubo is a midfielder not to even talk of an attacking midfielder… He is a wing ack converted to an attacking winger… The best option is Xavi Simon’s.
Still can’t get how a team that wants to win a trophy 🏆 will says there attacking midfielder is Loftus -check 😅🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. All Milan defenders have attacking minds than him, even my captain can play that position better than him.
The most essential of all, We need someone to take Pioli job