Journalist Xavier Jacobelli has highlighted some of the current gaps in the AC Milan squad and suggested some names to fill them too.
It has already been a chaotic summer for Milan as the ownership RedBird Capital decided to go in a new direction from a recruitment standpoint as they sacked Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara less than 48 hours after the final game of the season against Hellas Verona.
The whirlwind continued and the anger gathered when it was confirmed by multiple sources that Sandro Tonali – the boyhood Milan fan and big fan favourite – is in the process of being sold to Newcastle United in the Premier League for a club-record fee.
That means CEO Giorgio Furlani and chief scout Geoffrey Moncada will have to conduct a practically perfect summer transfer window from this point on. The midfield needs a total rebuild especially with Ismael Bennacer’s injury, and the attack also needs a lot of help too.
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Jacobelli spoke during an interview with MilanNews regarding the current state of the Milan side heading into what is a very important transfer window before a very important season.
How is Milan operating on the market?
“In my opinion, the farewell of Maldini and Massara was unjustified, in the light of what they had demonstrated. Tonali’s farewell allowed the Rossoneri to obtain 75 million euros plus 10 bonuses, which significantly increases the budget that was already available on the market.
“To conclude: a very talented midfielder has been lost, but now there is an important card to play on incoming operations.”
Could Loftus-Cheek be a good fit tactically?
“Milan need someone like him. Since Kessie went to Barcelona, Pioli has been looking for a player with that kind of characteristics. Also, without Bennacer, you need a strong presence in the midfield. Another name that seems to me to fully fit Pioli’s project is that of Pulisic.”
What about the attack?
“Milan need a great centre-forward who can be the right replacement for Giroud. Morata and Scamacca seem to me to be the most similar profiles to this type of solution.”
Are Milan really in the running for Frattesi?
“It’s normal for Milan to follow this track, but it seemed to me more oriented towards closing Loftus-Cheek and building another type of midfield. I think Inter have the better advantage over the Sassuolo midfielder.”
