A noted scout and intermediary has relayed four names that he claims AC Milan are watching closely in view of future transfer windows.
The transfer window reopens in just over a month and you could make a very strong argument that Milan need reinforcements in each department despite having made 10 additions during the most recent summer mercato.
The injury crisis means that the Rossoneri’s squad is short in the centre-back position as well as the forward group, while an added midfield certainly wouldn’t help given the doubts over the future of certain players.
Michele Fratini – an intermediary and talent scout – spoke to PianetaMilan about four profiles he know appeal to Milan. He was elected the best scout in Italy for two consecutive years and is a regular guest on the ‘Calcio Totale’ programme on RaiSport.
David Turnbull: “This player – who yesterday played part of the match in Lazio-Celtic in the Champions League – plays as a central midfielder and is reminiscent of former Inter player Ivan Perišić in his movements. Different role, but he moves like him.
“Raised in Motherwell , he is good in managing the ball, in running the ball. He is good at blocking and initiating action. He shoots from distance, with both feet, both with the right and with the left. He has a lot of power when loading up a shot from 20-30 metres.
“He has broken verbally with Celtic and his contract expires on 31 May 2024. Signing him in January would cost 8 million euros, maximum 10. Otherwise Milan will have to hope to be chosen next summer from a very vast list of suitors.
“Turnbull is a Scottish international, like Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson, with different characteristics. Modern, complete midfielder: he scored 7 goals in 11 league games for Celtic. Very interesting profile that many Italian clubs are looking at, including Milan.”
Liam Delap: “He is from Manchester City. But in front of him he has a sacred monster like Erling Braut Haaland. So, to play, he had to go around. He has had several loans (Stoke City and Preston North-End), now he’s at Hull City.
“He’s a really important striker: he has enormous physical size, he has the classic English structure. He holds the ball well, he knows how to protect it. He sees the goal well, he’s also very good technically and above all he’s very good in the air.
“He knows how to keep the team high and in the penalty area he is a sniper, he doesn’t make mistakes. For Milan he would be useful, there is Olivier Giroud who is very valid, but he is 37 years old and they need a striker for the future.”
Charlie Patino: “Owned by Arsenal, this year at Swansea and last year at Blackpool , he is a footballer that I would define as ‘primordial’. Pure talent, good at long-range football, at precise balls to the millimetre. Very good in tight spaces, he plays in front of the defence.
“A real playmaker, which in England is also difficult to find because they all play with a midfielder who breaks up the play in that position. He manages to break, always positioned well in the middle of the pitch. Excellent quality, left-footed: he is an important player.
“Everyone in Italy wants a bit: Inter , Milan and Juventus. The Rossoneri would also have some interesting counter-balances to offer to the Gunners. He costs around 25 million euros. I’ll put myself out there, he’s truly a phenomenon.”
Ollie Watkins: “Forward for the English national team , even if he often stays there and watches because he has Harry Kane in front of him. Revelation of the Premier League , with 12 goals and 7 assists in 20 matches in the league and cups.
“A normal physique, he’s not a cuirassier. But he’s quick in tight spots, he plays first and second striker, with immense quality. He knows how to break free and has an eye for goal. Everything that matters for an attacker.”
Lame x4. None of them is an asset that would take Milan to a higher lvl of quality.
Following Arsenal, Charlie is seen as a very important prospect for their future. No way Milan can pay enough to pry him away let alone Artetas satance on even letting the kid leave.
Now there’s an coach who is good at what he does. Some mistakes here and there but man, he knows hoe to instill a winning culture that has a very promising future.
Lame x4 indeed
If we’re talking about British prem players I’d go for Maddison but it’s probably impossible.
You know it’s more possible to get Maddison than Watkins. I don’t know what these scouts are thinking while spreading fake news.
Who knows? We probably need to fill other holes before his but that’s the kind of quality we need. Sorry that sounded rude…
These all seem like moneyball scores apart from Patino who’s a known talent on the rise. Pass.
Fed up with Moneyball players