The AC Milan management are planning how the squad will look not only for the rest of the current season but also from the start of 2024-25, with the right-back spot an area of focus.
Calciomercato.com report that last August Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani thought about strengthening the full-back ranks by signing Iván Fresneda from Real Valladolid, who later ended up at Sporting CP.
In recent months they have been evaluating various profiles to be ready for when June comes around, but they must also see what the future holds for a number of their current options.
Filippo Terracciano: A signing has already been made given Terracciano joined from Verona this month for €4.5m, but he is considered more of a wild card who can play various positions rather than a starter at right-back.
Davide Calabria: The Rossoneri captain, tied by a contract until June 2025, is the player in that position who has the best chance of staying given his status within the side and his current role as the starter.
Alessandro Florenzi: He arrived in August 2021 and has racked up 59 appearances (with two goals), but the management’s idea is to let him find another club given he earns €3m net per season in salary.
Alex Jimenez: Also in the balance is Jimenez, who has made four appearances for the first team after signing on an initial loan from Real Madrid. In June, Milan may decide to buy him for €5m but Real have a buy-back. Either way, he would not be labeled as a starter.
Pierre Kalulu: Milan have another option internally, but Kalulu is currently on the sidelines due to a muscle injury (he will be available again in March). The Frenchman has been used by Pioli on the right.
His future will be decided by whoever is the head coach for next season, but the mercato will be interesting. Having arrived on a free transfer, the former Lyon man could be sold for substantial capital gain.
