AC Milan have a specific profile in mind as their search for a new reinforcement for the attacking trident continues, according to a report.
According to Calciomercato.com, Josip Ilicic is one of the main names in Maldini and Massara’s notebook to reinforce the attack given his knowledge of Serie A, his flexibility as he can play either as an attacking midfielder or on the right, and the fact he should be a low-cost deal given his age (33).
Atalanta do not want to let him go for free and in yesterday’s preseason friendly against Alessandria they sent a message by making Ilicic a starter, with the Slovenia international scoring a brace during a 7-1 win.
Milan do not want to spend more than a few million euros for Ilicic and may even offer a loan formula, but Maldini has already received the approval of the player towards the move. La Dea are asking for at least €8m, however.
Hakim Ziyech is a player that the management consider to be the dream target given his quality, age (28) and versatility as he too can play either down the middle or on the right. However, Chelsea are continuing to ask for €40m and an excellent first half in the European Super Cup against Villarreal does not help Milan.
The feeling is that the Rossoneri can and will wait a little longer, perhaps then getting a discount from Atalanta on their requests given the Ilicic dream is fading fast. Patience seems to be the operative word, therefore.
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