AC Milan want to sign Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, but there is a chance that Malick Thiaw will not be part of negotiations.
Calciomercato.com confirm that Xhaka is very much a target both for Igli Tare and Massimiliano Allegri. The Swiss midfielder is the main objective to strengthen the midfield – despite the Javi Guerra talk – because of the leadership and quality he would bring.
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Thiaw off the table?
There have been reports about Thiaw being a part of the operation, given Leverkusen’s interest in bringing the central defender back to Germany. However, Calciomercato say to ‘be careful of the Allegri factor’.
Thiaw enjoys the esteem of the new coach, who would also be tempted by the possibility of keeping him and developing him into a top centre-back, something that has not really happened yet. Milan, therefore, will listen to offers for the ex-Schalke man but he will not be sold at a discount.
It must be noted that in his tactical set-up – be it a three or a four-man defence – Allegri tends to like having a ball-playing defender. That is certainly something which Thiaw can do, another aspect that may play in his favour.
Instead, what the Diavolo want to do is to try and tempt Bayer Leverkusen with a pure cash bid of €10m including bonuses. While the Bundesliga side want to keep him after the exits of Wirtz, Tah and Frimpong, a departure cannot be ruled out for a player who will turn 33 next.
I really hope Allegri keeps Thiaw. His ceiling is really high and hes much much better on the ball then Tomori. And can become much better under Allegri.
Thiaw, Pavlovic, Gabbia and Leoni would be a really good center back list for 25/26
Thiaw is the defender with the highest ceiling we have. Tomori and Pavlovic should be sold.
Thiaw can play from the back with quality, he is physical and strong. He still does stupid mistakes, but he is very young.
Thiaw must be sold & Xhaka must not be bought.
Thiaw is the only one out of our bunch that can pay from the back with the ball at his feet. Why would Allegri want to rid of him? He’s trying to keep Mike for the same reason.
Agree with others that Thiaw should be kept as he has the highest ceiling and is a ball playing CB and is only 23.
Foolish to sell this kid now
If we have to sell – Tomori is the choice or if Crystal Palace want to spend (rumor) 40M for Pavlovic – pack his bags