After a slow start to the summer transfer window AC Milan seem to be finally making some ground on various different fronts, with Strahinja Pavlovic pretty much a done deal.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport report this morning, Red Bull Salzburg’s last resistance has ‘now been broken’ and Pavlovic is very close to joining. The centre-back wants to join the Rossoneri and he made that clear while negotiations between the clubs were ongoing, which helped Milan.
Milan negotiated carefully but in the end a deal was able to be concluded for a figure around €20m, with the fixed number a bit less than that and bonuses making up the rest. The paper points out that the initial asking price was much higher.
Pavlovic will earn €1.5m net per season with the Diavolo, a little more than double his current salary. He will pack his bags now and wait for the final green light, while Malick Thiaw is expected to leave for Newcastle United, with Milan waiting for a €35-40m bid.
Those two moves won’t be the only changes in defence because there will be an acceleration for Emerson Royal after Alessandro Florenzi’s injury. The offer of €15m will end up being accepted with some bonuses potentially bridging the gap.
Royal has often found himself a reserve under Ange Postecoglou and that is why the player is happy to try a new experience in Italy, after previous spells in Brazil and Spain.
The signing to make it ‘three in a row’ could be Youssouf Fofana but Monaco must first accept the Rossoneri’s offer. Fofana has already done so: he has promised himself to Milan and is keeping his promise despite a richer offer from West Ham.
Don’t forget Samardzic. And yes Pavlovic is a no brainer. I’m sure Newcastle fans will be upset if they get Thiaw for 40 million and we get Pavlovic for 18 million lol.
I’m not the biggest fan of Royal though. Will support him nonetheless if he arrives.
As far as Fofana, we may need to look elsewhere.
We aint getting a better dm for 25mil🙏
Was I asking you?
I would even try RLC + Thiaw for Tonali and some money. Both managements would get bonus points from fan-bases.
No to Tonali. We aren’t revisiting the past.
Still believe Kalulu by October would be better than Emerson. Would have preferred Kiwior to Emerson, but if they manage to finish all 3 by the end of this week, I would call it a success.
Then Bove/Rovella and ST are left and clean-up.
Pat – great signing.
I’m intrigued by Emerson – there is a good player in there. It’s clear we are going to play direct football with a quick turnover and he’ll be good at that. He is always going to leave space in behind though so it remains to be seen what the plan is for that. If Theo and Emerson start we need a midfielder who will drop into a back 3 – we haven’t got one and we’ve not been linked with one.
I still think we’ll get Fofana – great, but that doesn’t address the above. I don’t think we need Samardzic unless we are selling RLC (who deserves a season to push on in my opinion).
Then I think the focus needs to be trimming the fat. There are too many unknowns around who is staying or going.
Pav not Pat
You make some good points! I also think that Emerson isn’t as bad as the comments here make him out to be. And Fonseca clearly sees something in him.
Regarding Fofana, I’m not sure if we’ll actually get him. However, I agree that we won’t find a comparable player for under 30 million. Maybe Monaco will still accept a sum of 20 million…
Otherwise, I think we need a proper defensive midfielder like Amrabat. I would consider letting Pobega and Adli go. I don’t see Samardzic as necessary; I’d prefer to see Reijnders in a more offensive role. This way, we would have six players for three midfield positions (Musah, RLC, Benny, Fofana, Reijnders, DM).
He thrived under conte who in many ways plays a similar style in a different formation with versatility and athleticism and motor key for fb. Defending high up the field and also keeping a real straight back line deep. He’s a plug and play. Those are insanely good value signings…35 total. I was told management don’t know what they are doing…if they pull of fofana it would be unfair but I’d take it. I think they only need a 6 if they want to play a 433 every once in a while otherwise they can play two good on both sides 8s like tonali and kessie were.
Everything here is God’s honest truth! I’d only add that considering we are seemingly retaining a more confident baller of a player in Salamaekers, who was a standout in defensive contributions at RW even before he became absolutely class, we are covered defensively on the right. Royal can play with Alexis ahead of him with Pulisic shifting inward, esp when we are protecting a slim lead. A mid of Fofana, Rejnders, Isma, Musah and hopefully Liberali (why not??!) will seal this by allowing both full backs leave to bomb forward. Ideally, Fonseca can have hims pick of Chuk Alexis or Pulisic at RW and Kalulu, calabria or Royal at RB AND mix it up depending on availability, midfield players selected, and/or tactics for the week. Options are bad in football said no one ever!
Newcastle get Thiaw will be great additional for defence…but will be disaster if Thiaw injury too like bottman…
If Ac Milan get pavlovic must buy 1 player to make smooth since typical Tomori tactic, Pavlovic strong so need 1 type speed (I hope calabria change into centre back) since almost have the criteria for that…
Monaco are playing a dangerous game, but, with a patient Milan, they will have no choice than to sell. Not every footballer wants to play at Man utd, despite all their money. If Fofana holds out for Milan, Monaco would have to give in. Milan will only wait till January to sign a pre-contract, and get him for free in June, if they don’t want to bulge now. I want us to get him now, but, Monaco’s new asking price is outrageous.