There have been several revelations for AC Milan this season, but the biggest has to have been Davide Bartesaghi.
In the summer, there were plenty of opportunities for Bartesaghi to leave Milan. However, Massimiliano Allegri rejected them all – like he did with Alexis Saelemaekers – believing he could be an important player when the time arose.
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Now, the Italian youngster is the starting left-back, but his performance on the left of a three-man defence has only raised excitement once more.
Of course, there have been suggestions that this would be his position in the past. However, him being even more versatile is only another thing that Allegri can build upon.
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As a result, reports recently have suggested that Premier League clubs are flocking to look at the defender, with Arsenal currently looking like the most interested party, but it seems Milan are ready to fight back.
Tuttosport reports this morning that the Rossoneri are considering tripling his salary, as well as offering him a longer contract beyond his 2030 expiry date, as MilanNews relays. Despite signing a new deal in May, the Diavolo want to double down on his position and fend off any interest.
With an Italian National Team call-up potentially on the horizon, too, perhaps this interest will only grow in the future.
Selling Jimenez and putting trust in Barte seemed like such a bold move at the start of this season. Gotta love Allegri’s vision
I would still have preferred to keep Jimenez as backup to Saelesmaekers rather then bring in Athekame. He makes a much better wingback then rb/lb. And he can cover the lwb as well if needed.
From what I’ve read, jimenez had a lot of behavioral issues that allegri didnt like ie. Showing up late to training, and discipline issues. He did also get himself carded alot arguing with refs or getting into fights and getting himself ccarded. Salemaekers does have a tendency to get hot dreaded to but not as much as jimenez.
You can triple his wages, but you’ll never match what he could make in the EPL. It helps paying him more, but the issues will be where he wants to play, will he get playing time, and CL football. I doubt that that with any team in the CL he would play much. So, it would end up being a mid table team where he can play.