AC Milan are continuing to probe different tracks in their pursuit of a new central midfielder and the name of Baptiste Santamaria has emerged, a report claims.
Tuttosport (via MilanNews) report that Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara have set their sights on the 27-year-old, who has a contract with Stade Rennais until 2025. They like him because of the physicality and quality he brings, while the directors also feel safe shopping in Ligue 1 given recent signings from there have brought positive results.
However, Santamaria is at the moment an alternative to Raphael Onyedika of FC Midtjylland. He will be involved in the Champions League qualification stages in the second leg of their tie against Benfica tonight and whether he plays or not will be a big sign.
Jean Onana of Bordeaux, Ibrahima Sissoko of Strasbourg and Davide Frattesi of Sassuolo are all options in the background that have not completely faded, but for the latter a loan formula would be needed.
Find a way, consult with Juventus if need be about their machinations when signing players from Sassuolo and Florentina on 2 year loans, but Milan needs to get Davide Frattesi.
His style of play would be perfect for Milan. Plus he is just as tenacious as Tonali. Used to playing in 4231 in double pivot, who can just easily slot in RW
He only play 4 times at double pivot if I recall correctly.