AC Milan have reopened talks with Torino for Samuele Ricci as they are finding it hard to sign Granit Xhaka, a report claims.
It was reported by Gianluca Di Marzio last night that the amount Bayer Leverkusen want for Xhaka is a figure comfortably beyond what Milan are willing to pay, given his age. As a result, it will take a serious effort to unblock things at the moment.
From Xhaka to Ricci?
According to Alfredo Pedulla’s latest for Football Italia, Milan have ‘resumed interest in Torino and Italy midfielder Ricci’, given the difficulties that they are facing in signing Xhaka.
Milan are looking for a couple of midfielders, they are thinking about the Swiss (who they like a lot, but is 32 years of age Bayer Leverkusen must be satisfied) as well as Ricci.
Milan must sign at least a couple of specialists in that role and are working on several fronts: Ardon Jashari of Club Brugge, Javi Guerra of Valencia and of course the two names that are aforementioned.
Torino no longer consider Ricci unsellable, which implies that a deal could be reached. The Italian is also very much liked by Atalanta – who have hired ex-Granata boss Ivan Juric – but so far there have been no in-depth discussions between the clubs and the situation is linked to Ederson’s future.
Serenity now
Forget Xhaka and sign a younger fellow.
Bitc*ing around again.
Small club with small board
If its true, then its wise decision. Xshaka will has soon 33 years and Bayer want 15-16m€ for him… Ricci’s price is around 25m€ + bonuses and he has 23y… Xshaka can be good but from the view of money, better perspective is Ricci
Agreed. I was becoming more and more convinced about Xhaka. Bottom line is that we need experienced established players in the squad. We can’t always buy “up and coming” 20 year olds. But the fact that Xhaka will be turning 33 during the next season and that Leverkusen are holding out for 15M makes me think that Ricci could be a better investment long term. We’re already signing 40 year old Modric for the experience factor. I’m highly skeptical that we will do it, but if we can bring one of Ricci or Jashari, AND Guerra, in addition to Modric, I will be impressed, as I was thinking it would be Xhaka and Guerra added to Modric. But given this club’s transfer record, it will probably only be Modric plus one of Xhaka/Guerra/Ricci/Jashari, instead of two from the latter group.
So they won’t spend 15mil on Xhaka but want to negotiate 30 mil for Ricci?he media circus continues to entertain… And it’s not even July 1st yet…
It makes sense same reason why Tijji was 65 not 80. Age is a huge factor in value due to clubs ability to resale. I actually think Xhaka is a better player but Xhaka will decline Ricci is an average player who could get better 🤞
Signing Guerra, Ricci and Jashari is the dream