The work for the upcoming season can now begin as the summer mercato is open. So, what do AC Milan need, or more importantly, want?
There are several parameters that Milan have to stick to this summer. Of course, without Europe, there is a lack of funds available for the upcoming season, so the deep dive into the market may not be as extensive.
If anything, this is where the pressure piles onto Igli Tare and Massimiliano Allegri: identify the issues, allocate the funds, and move.
We know that the club are not fearful of the FFP regulations, with reports stating today that the club have passed the UEFA period, and are not worried about their future spending despite the upcoming season without European football.
In addition to this, around €40-45 million has been allocated to signing a striker, with Massimiliano Allegri seeking a striker of the highest quality. So, let’s start there.
The targets
As you may have seen reports, there are a few priorities for the Rossoneri: a striker, another central midfielder (assuming Samuele Ricci and Luka Modric are already counted as present), and then a pair of full-backs.
For the striker position, the club are seeking someone like Olivier Giroud, according to reports. A true centre forward, and the names of Mateo Retegui and Aleksandar Mitrovic are currently leading the list of possibilities.
Dusan Vlahovic’s name is still there, but the Serbian’s situation is becoming slightly more difficult, due to his own preferences. It is not impossible, but others are being prioritised now ahead of the Juventus man.
In midfield, the roads lead to Ardon Jashari, and the preference is clear as day. The midfielder wants to move to Milano, whilst the club are doing everything to sign him. However, there is still a gap in the negotiations over the price that will be paid. Around €10m needs to be found. Not impossible, but not easy…
At right-back, Guela Douè and Martim Fernandes are the most recent links with both ticking several boxes for the Rossoneri. It is worth noting that the former is slightly more realistic due to the latter’s release clause of €60m.
On the left, Maxim De Cuyper is the idea that is being run with. When Theo Hernandez’s situation was beginning to look ropey in the early stages of last summer, the Belgian’s name rose quickly. With him wanting the move too, it should be a case of figures once again.
It is also worth noting that a winger and central defender could arrive in the next few months. However, this is dependent on outgoings first. At present, with Malick Thiaw’s situation, a defender could be more likely to arrive first.
Outgoing mission
It does not stop with incomings, with the Diavolo also determined to trim the squad a little. After all, without Europe, the squad looks bloated, and the Rossoneri can earn some money for getting rid of rotational options.
Several loanees that are due to return will be available for purchase, among them the likes of Tommaso Pobega and Noah Okafor. In total, you would imagine that close to €40m could be brought in.
Alongside this, Yunus Musah could provide a valuable asset for incomings, with his future very much up for discussion at present. Premier League clubs are interested, and a price tag around the €25-30m mark would be massive.
There is work to do, but Milan are not shying away from it. Instead, they are taking the summer by the horns and preparing an attack on Serie A. Last season’s results demand that, if nothing else.
Nolin or Rategui!
Atalanta wants 50 mil for Rategui. No way…. Atalanta players are always overrated. It’s the coach and the already-established system that make players work there, so with a new system that just being brought by Max, he would struggle
Atalanta wants 50 mil for Rategui. No way…. Atalanta players are always overrated. It’s the coach and the already-established system that make players work there, so with a new system that just being brought by Max, he would struggle
How about we concentrate on getting Pulisic to sign, and sell some of the MANY losers who weren’t AC Milan worthy, and are useless other than being a potential source of capital to pay for the purchases that everyone seems to be focusing on?
They are pros, they might not good enough, but definitely not losers. This is why Milan players never thrive, fans don’t help when the team is down.
So true.
Even Messi would’ve struggled under Milan last season.
Agree, management so bad at handling squad issue and the people (who called themself fans) doesnt help but only make it worst
I agree with you, but sadly it’s a football-wide issue, not just a Milan one.
The amount of disrespect towards perfectly good professional players on here from the classic keyboard warriors is really sad to see sometimes.
I do think the atmosphere in the stadium caused issues on pitch last year. People’s distrust of the current management and the over-ambitious statements that management are making every pre-season, rather than being honest about where we are, are really hindering that IMO. We add so much pressure on the players as a result.
ah. the fans…yes the fans are at fault!
Even real Madrid have switch to back 3 defence
Trent is not the sharpest of defenders, is he?
All rumours about Leao’s departure seem to have died down, and i think that’s good – Hopefully a major offer comes in toeard the end of the window and we cash in om the rapper. I was afraid he’d go as cheaply as Tijji for a moment there.
Hopefully Theo talks Simon Inzaghi into wanting him in SA and they drop $150 mill on it and pay him 30 Milla year.
The Saudi “pro” league is a great place to dump expensive flops…
No wonder Al Hilal whoop M.City 🙃…cause its a trash league
Bring back Paolo Maldini??