AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has confirmed that the club wish to continue with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and discussed the Serge Aurier links.
Milan will be looking to end their season with a bang on Saturday night as they face Cagliari at San Siro in the final game of the 2020-21 campaign.
The Rossoneri are undefeated since the resumption of Serie A having won eight of their 11 games, the most recent being a 4-1 win against Sampdoria on Wednesday night.
In the media there continues to be speculation about a number of topics related to the club, including the renewal of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and potential transfer targets.
Maldini spoke to Sky Italia before Milan-Cagliari, and his words were transcribed by MilanNews.
“I believe that we, as I have said several times, have built something this season, which must have continuity. Continue on the foundations we have created,” he said.
“Zlatan is part of this project. It will not be an easy negotiation, but there is an intention to continue with him.”
If another striker will arrive: “With Ibra we feel good. We have Rebic, Leao, we have many young guys who, with Ibra, can make an exponential growth. This is our idea.”
How complicated the latest period was: “When you occupy a managerial position you adapt your character to the needs of the role. Patience must be the basis of football. Everyone wants results, especially if you’re at Milan.
“What’s needed? Quality is the thing that makes you achieve results more easily. We have a shirt that weighs and the players must be evaluated not only for their technical skills, but also for their personality. The lockdown, perhaps, has unlocked several players. But growth started before the lockdown.”
On the management unit: “One of the conditions for staying in a working group is sharing projects. There is unity, otherwise I would not be here.”
Sky Italia (via MilanNews.it) reported earlier on Saturday that Serge Aurier is now a target for Milan.
The Tottenham full-back has a price tag of €12-15m and has been identified by the Rossoneri management as a good addition. This season, the Ivorian international has made 33 appearances for Spurs in the league, bagging one goal in the process.
On Aurier, Maldini said: “We spoke to his agent last year. We think about ending the season well, then in these three weeks we have to operate on the market.”
