GdS: Milan advancing on Gila and Goretzka fronts as confidence grows – the situation

There may be an additional G-factor in AC Milan’s line-up for next season, as the management aim to close deals for Leon Goretzka and Mario Gila.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report this morning, the Milan directors are working to improve the quality of the squad in order to best prepare for what will hopefully be a return to the Champions League.

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A summer window must follow that convinces Massimiliano Allegri regarding the evolution of the project for which he signed a three-year contract last year. So, Igli Tare and co. are working to find at least one quality reinforcement for each department.

G and G

Allegri and Tare’s preferred name to bolster the defence is Mario Gila of Lazio. The Milan sporting director has already been working with the player and his entourage for some time and a verbal agreement has been reached.

A four-year contract (with an option for an extra year) is on the table worth €3m net per season plus bonuses, with the fixed component increasing annually. In this particular case, Milan would benefit from the Growth Decree but must be wary of competition from Inter, Juventus and Napoli.

The biggest obstacle, however, is Claudio Lotito. The Lazio president is a tough nut to crack and his asking price will be no less than €30m. Tare hasn’t started those negotiations yet, but it will take a lot of diplomacy to convince Lotito, especially with Real Madrid due 50% of the proceeds.

The other name that has been on the radar for months is Leon Goretzka, one of the summer’s most sought-after free agents. He will be saying goodbye to Bayern Munich in a few weeks and would welcome a move to Milan and to Serie A, giving him a fresh start at a prestigious club.

Despite interest from the Premier League and other Italian clubs, Tare made his move well in advance and enjoys a significant advantage over the competition. He is in constant contact with Goretzka and his entourage.

The German is now focused on finishing the season, with the Champions League and DFB Pokal still up for grabs. However, he will make his decision before the World Cup, and Milan must now hope their offer is the right one.