AC Milan are in talks over deals for two Serbian players that would reinforce the defence and the midfield, namely Strahinja Pavlovic and Lazar Samardzic.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write this morning, Pavlovic is much more than a target for Milan, who have an agreement with the player over personal terms and are dealing with Red Bull Salzburg with great optimism.
The Austrian started with a request of €30m but Milan expects to close at €20-22m. For a similar amount last summer the likes of Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Reijnders, Musah and Chukwueze all arrived.
What plays in Milan’s favour is his current salary, around €700k net per season and with the Rossoneri it would not just increase but multiply. The directors are certain meanwhile that Pavlovic would be a very useful acquisition.
He would bring characteristics not present in the squad: he is tough, he has a scary physique and he is intimidating. Then, of course, he’s left-footed. In recent years, Milan have always used Fikayo Tomori on the centre-left, right-footed but willing to adapt.
In addition, Pavlovic can play with three or four at the back – though Fonseca has no doubts, four is better – and he played the European Championship with Serbia on the left. He can lend a hand in many roles and defend in the open field, as the new coach likes.
Not only that, but given that he only turned 23 in May, he has plenty of time to improve. So, watch out for next week: Milan have been busy in recent days with Morata, whose clause was paid yesterday, but the friendly against Rapid Wien in Austria could bring developments.
Samardzic meanwhile was one step away from Inter last summer and even did his medical before complications arose involving his father-agent. He is one of the players that the club and the coach really like, who would gladly give him a role in midfield.
The 22-year-old is a multifaceted midfielder who can play as a No.8 or a No.10 and he has had three good seasons with Udinese. He is a different profile from that of Youssouf Fofana, who the club would like to sign to put in front of the defence.
For the Serbian, the club are thinking of an offer of €15m to Udinese, more or less the same expense hypothesised for Fofana. Lazar is three years younger and has potential that could develop further. The salary would also be in line with the parameters.
