AC Milan decided not to make a centre-back signing during the winter transfer window, and now they are assessing options ahead of the summer.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
La Gazzetta dello Sport (as seen below) reports that the mould of the defender for the future – who will replace Simon Kjaer in the squad – was outlined recently by Stefano Pioli.
“He will have to be a solid, complete centre-back, capable of defending, of build-up, of participating in the attacking schemes,” the Milan coach said.
The paper states that Milan are going for a left-footed centre-back like Lilian Brassier. The negotiations over him started in January will be resumed in a few months, also because Brassier hasn’t changed his mind: he wants the Rossoneri.
Brest, who a month ago did not intend to go below €12m as their asking price, could lower their demands because Brassier’s contract will expire in a year and there will be no time to haggle over the fee.
Maxence Lacroix, the 23-year-old Frenchman who is currently at Wolfsburg, also has a contract until 2025. Milan asked for information in January, but the message received from Germany was clear: not for sale.
In June that stance will logically change and the Rossoneri will be able to negotiate the fee with the German club given that his deal will expire in one year from then.
Watch out for Tosin Adarabioyo, who came through Manchester City’s academy and has been playing for Fulham since 2020. In June he will be free to sign with another club and Milan will be first in line.
In the background three other names: Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth (also on an expiring deal and then Benoi Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea, physical condition permitting.
