AC Milan are in a fight for two trophies but planning for a vital summer transfer window is underway, and it could take on extra impetus from a takeover.
90min talks about how the negotiations between Investcorp and Elliott Management over the acquisition of Milan are ongoing and this raises questions about the future of the most important players and also new protagonists that could arrive.
Renewals: After losing Donnarumma, Calhanoglu plus almost certainly Kessie and Romagnoli, there needs to be a change in strategy regarding contract extensions. Theo Hernandez and Gabbia were recently tied down until 2026, while the renewals of Pierre Kalulu, Ismael Bennacer and Rafael Leao are expected with pay rises. Getting those extensions done could be an important and fast indication of intent regarding the project.
Looking at the staff, Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara’s contracts are due to expire in June and they are waiting for developments on their situation. The same goes for Stefano Pioli who renewed until June 2023 with option for another year, and if he wins a trophy he will ask for another well-earned pay rise.
Departures and arrivals: Alessio Romagnoli, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Franck Kessie, Alessandro Florenzi and Junior Messias are all destined to leave as things stand and the latter two are fighting to have their loans made permanent, with no decision made yet. Rade Krunic and Samu Castillejo could leave as they are no longer part of the plans.
Alessandro Plizzari, Tommaso Pobega, Yacine Adli and Lorenzo Colombo have all been out on loan and will return to base where their future will be evaluated, with Adli the only one virtually certain to stay.
Defender: Pierre Kalulu’s rise means there is less pressure to sign someone, but Sven Botman should still arrive to join Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia and Simon Kjaer. Negotiations with Lille have been at an advanced stage for months and it seems that he will be Milan’s first signing. On the flanks Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria are sure of a spot, but their deputies are unknown and depend on potential outgoings.
Midfield: Pobega and Adli will join Krunic (if he stays) as possible depth options for the starting double pivot of Ismael Bennacer and Sandro Tonali. The feeling is that another quality midfielder may arrive, but their profile will probably be a consequence of how the management decide to reinforce the attack.
Attack: Speaking of the attack, Ante Rebic and Rafael Leao give two solid left wing options but Alexis Saelemaekers and Junior Messias have not been up to par, so the name of Domenico Berardi has been insistently mentioned and he could well arrive.
Brahim Diaz has also not performed well as the playmaker but so another playmaker in addition to Adli could well be on the agenda. For the striker role, Milan seem to be well advanced in negotiations over Divock Origi to replace Ibra and help Giroud out.
It is expected that 4-5 targeted signings are enough to ensure that the Rossoneri can contend strongly for the Scudetto again next year, and under Investcorp their could be the resources to go a bit beyond what Elliott Management were willing to spend.
