AC Milan could still move for a new wing-back before the end of the summer window, despite the priorities being elsewhere currently.
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As Calciomercato.com write, the 2-2 draw against Celtic in the first summer friendly gave the first indications regarding the style of football that Ruben Amorim wants to implement at Milan.
There will be no more low-lying defensive blocks, but instead a focus on winning the ball back in the opposition’s half, speed in attacking spaces and being more vertical. That is why the wing-backs will be key.
An added weapon
There was a moment in spring when Fulham’s management expressed their desire to buy Samuel Chukwueze, and Milan were anticipating a €24m pay-out. It looked like being an issue for Milan when they didn’t buy him, until Amorim expressed a desire to work with the Nigerian.
The Portuguese coach is trying to transform Chukwueze from a winger in a three-man attack to a wing-back in the four-man midfield line. The signs so far are positive (see the assist for Francesco Camarda vs. Celtic) and interest from clubs like Trabzonspor has been rebuffed.
While a winger with one-on-one skills like Chukwueze or Alexis Saelemaekers will play on one side, Amorim is looking for more balance to ensure the Rossoneri are not caught off guard in the transition phase.
Davide Bartesaghi is an established option and will play plenty of games under Amorim, potentially as a left-sided centre-back too. Pervis Estupinan is the real novelty: his sale to Aston Villa is on hold because the former Sporting CP boss wants to test the Ecuadorian, convinced he could be a fit.
If he were to leave though, then a new addition could arrive. Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui is a player highly regarded by Amorim, but there are concerns about his role and whether United would consider selling.
An intriguing possibility is Raphael Guerreiro. The experienced defender is free of contractual obligations after ending his contract with Bayern Munich. He’s no longer young, but he boasts a remarkable resume of 42 goals and 47 assists in 223 Bundesliga appearances.