In recent years, AC Milan have focused on players to develop in the mercato. Of course, there have been a few changes to that, but the main point has been potential.
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Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan are two of the best players in Europe, but they were once exciting talents. Several others can be added to that list, and whilst some have progressed towards their potential, others have ended up elsewhere.
Look at Noah Okafor, for example, who failed to kick on at San Siro.
In recent years, we have seen more of a willingness to sign experienced names, like Alvaro Morata last season, and Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot this year, so Massimiliano Allegri would like a continuation of this.
Allegri’s wishes
For MilanNews this morning, Antonio Vitiello has given an update on targets ahead of the summer, and it seems that Allegri is making himself rather clear with his demands.
“The priority of keeping their balance sheets in order prevailed over their ambition to win and actually try (there was no session in January), but now that qualification for next season’s Champions League is ever closer, Milan can no longer postpone certain signings.
“A striker, for example, has been urgently needed since the departure of Giroud, the last Milan striker. For three years, Milan have been looking for a striker with those characteristics, but the investments have been varied.
“From Abraham on loan with Jovic, to Santiago Gimenez, then Nkunku, who lacks those qualities, and finally Fullkrug. These are backup solutions to postpone the real problem. They need a 20-goal player, a strong striker, a true Milan player.
“There won’t be any need to overhaul the team this summer; those four intelligent and thoughtful signings are what they need to make to raise the quality of the squad.
“But enough with experiments or half-baked players, let’s play it safe. If Allegri has dictated a line—namely, to sign players ready for the likes of Rabiot or Modric—we must follow it. Also, because it’s the only way to truly become competitive again, to try to win.
“Next year will be even more complicated with the two-legged competition, so we need 25 strong and ready players, otherwise it will be another year without winning anything.”