GdS: ‘Midfield changes’ – Fofana, Kone and Cardoso eyed as Fonseca plots restyling

AC Milan are adamant that they will only sign Youssouf Fofana on the right terms and they are evaluating alternative targets, according to a report.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport report this morning, the Milan management are looking to complete the midfield after signing Alvaro Morata for the attack and Strahinja Pavlovic for the defence, with Emerson Royal also close.

Milan would like a physical midfielder who is also comfortable in build-up, i.e. someone who can protect the defence but also start attacks. Youssouf Fofana is the name chosen and ‘every day, from today, could be the decisive one’ for the completion of the negotiation.

The Rossoneri management are waiting for an official response from Monaco to the latest offer, which is less than €20m and well below the €35m proposed by West Ham. The club will only close on its own terms and the strategy has paid off so far: Pavlovic is a done deal, Emerson almost.

Fofana wants Milan and Monaco are aware of this, as well as the fact that in 11 months he would released on a free transfer due to his contract expiring in 2025. If they do not accept the Rossoneri’s newest offer, Milan will attack the alternatives.

One above all stands out and it is Johnny Cardoso, 22, from Real Betis. He is the first reserve option and he also fits the mould that the club are looking for. Manu Koné of Borussia Monchengladbach is another option, and he would cost €15m.

Another path leads to Lazar Samardzic of Udinese who is also 22, but plays a different midfield role. The Friulian club want €25m to sell Milan can exploit his desire to join to try and get him for €15-20m.