AC Milan are already preparing for what could be a hectic January transfer window, expected to make quite a few signings. As reported by Italian media this morning, four players could arrive to strengthen Stefano Pioli’s side.
Giorgio Furlani and Geoffrey Moncada are keen on ending the injury/depth focus once and for all, making very targeted signings in January. Although a lot will depend on the Champions League Round of 16, the Rossoneri appear to have a decent budget ready.
According to today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), Milan are ready to reinforce four positions: centre-back, left-back, midfielder and striker. The first and last are the main priorities, but the other two will not be ignored.
Striker
Olivier Giroud has worked overtime and a No.9 reinforcement is essential. There are three key targets as things stand today: Jonathan David (Lille), Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart) and Akor Adams (Montpellier). The question, however, is who could arrive in January.
Out of the three, the easiest to sign would paradoxically be David as he has struggled at the start of this season. The Canadian international has a price tag of €40m but with a good offer, Lille could decide to sell him in January.
Guirassy has a release clause of €17m but he plans to leave in the summer, while Adams appears to have the same mindset. Having said all of this, last-minute opportunities could emerge in January and other targets thus cannot be excluded.
Centre-back
In defence, Milan have set their sights on Jakub Kiwior. He was linked with the Rossoneri prior to his move to Arsenal, and now he’s back on their radar. The idea is to secure him a loan but it remains to be seen if the Gunners will open to this. Chelsea’s Benoit Badiashile is another option on loan.
Moncada is also keeping an eye on the youngsters Konstantinos Koulierakis (Paok) and Alessandro Marcandalli (Reggiana, owned by Genoa). However, the road to Milanello is very long for both of them, especially since Milan need immediate reinforcement.
Midfielder
Milan have moved early in their pursuit of Assan Ouédraogo, which started already two years ago, but the competition has increased and is incredibly fierce now. Inter, Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Arsenal have all been mentioned.
The Schalke midfielder has a release clause of €12m and at the age of 17, several clubs are tempted. The big surprise for Milan, however, could arrive on the outgoing front. Fenerbahce are still interested in Rade Krunic and the Rossoneri are willing to accept a decent offer for the Bosnian.
Left-back
This position is the least prioritised but there is a good opportunity for Milan: Juan Miranda. His contract with Real Betis will expire in the summer and he could arrive for a nominal fee. Indeed, we are talking about €5m, give or take.
However, Miranda has asked for a salary of €2m per season, which must be taken into consideration. Milan have trusted Davide Baretisaghi so far, as well as Alessandro Florenzxi, and there’s also the fact that Theo Hernandez always plays when he’s fit.
