AC Milan are exploring multiple different options to try and improve the squad this summer but they are currently battling the same frustrating theme.
According to Pietro Mazzara’s latest column for MilanNews, the No.1 target for the attacking department is Samuel Chukwuenze of Villarreal. However, they want €35m to sell despite the fact he has one year left on his deal, while the player has an agreement in principle with Milan over personal terms.
Villarreal have already collected over €60m from the sales of Pau Torres and Nicolas Jackson, which means there is no great urgency to sell and they can dictate their asking price, which is why ‘excellent strategy’ will be needed from Milan during the negotiation phase.
Porto’s Mehdi Taremi was also enquired about in the event that Chukwueze does not arrive, as he could be the centre-forward for next season, taking the final non-EU slot. If the Iranian arrived, the right wing target would shift.
Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven is the back-up plan to Chukwueze at the moment but he has the same asking price and a contract running until June 2026 and not 2024 like the Nigerian.
Then, the negotiations over Tijjani Reijnders are still alive but AZ Alkmaar want €25m fixed while Milan‘s latest offer was €21m with bonuses. The player wants the move, but the two clubs need to find a common ground.
Yunus Musah of Valencia is another name that is being evaluated for the midfield but the €30m requested by the Spaniards is considered excessive.
The Alvaro Morata pursuit is complicated by economic and fiscal issues too. If the Atletico Madrid striker returns to Italy, he would not be able to benefit from the Growth Decree and the almost €8m he gets currently is a major obstacle to overcome.
In short, there are gaps in the squad to fill and plenty of ideas to do so, but the management will have to be patient because asking prices are high in July.
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