Lucas Paqueta holds the key regarding AC Milan’s pursuit of a new central defender, according to the latest reports.
It is no secret that Milan are in the market for a centre-back given that the injuries to Alessio Romagnoli and Mateo Musacchio – coupled with Matteo Gabbia and Leo Duarte’s lack of experience – has left that department thin on depth.
According to Calciomercato.com, the COVID crisis means that Milan cannot afford to spend a large amount on a new defender, which is why the pursuit of Celtic’s Kristoffer Ajer and Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic is currently uphill, as well as Wesley Fofana, Maldini’s true dream. Celtic want €15m for the Norwegian, while Fiorentina demands at least €40m for the Serbian.
Everything depends on the potential sale of Lucas Paquetà. Lyon’s interest is strong on the Brazilian, and in the event that the Rossoneri were to manage to earn €22-23m from his exit, the hunt for a permanent signing would begin.
If he were to stay however, an emergency solution is ready in Schalke’s Matija Nastasic, a 27-year-old Serbia international who played for Fiorentina in 2011-12 before moving to Manchester City.
It is a deal that could develop on the basis of a free loan in the last days of the market: a low-cost operation which first awaits developments from the Paquetà front.
