AC Milan are still in the market for a defender despite the impending return of Mattia Caldara, according to a report.
We recently reported via our mercato expert Vito Angele that the Rossoneri are chasing a centre-back after it was officially confirmed that Leo Duarte will be out until at least March.
An official club statement on Thursday evening confirmed that that Duarte underwent an operation at the Alfredson Tendon Clinic in Umeå to an achilles tendon problem.
According to Fabrizio Romano for Calciomercato.com, Milan are set on the idea of buying a new central defender in January and they do not wants to go down the route of dry loans.
Jean-Clair Todibo of Barcelona is not in the first choice despite claims of talks between Paolo Maldini and Eric Abidal. Instead, it is Merih Demiral of Juventus that is the primary target, however the Bianconeri’s asking price is high despite his few appearances.
THE CHOICE ON CALDARA
The report adds that the Rossoneri leadership are convinced Mattia Caldara will return to playing at high levels, but not until next year.
The 25-year-old has been out since April when he sustained ligament damage in a Coppa Italia clash against Lazio, but he is back training with the squad and has played a few games in the Primavera to improve his match fitness.
He is an investment that Milan wants to protect, which is why he will not leave in January even on loan. Boban and Maldini believe in him and expects to relaunch him at the right time.
Therefore, Milan fans could soon be looking at a centre-back department in early 2020 which includes Alessio Romagnoli, Caldara, Mateo Musacchio and a new arrival.
SempreMilan Podcast: Episode 78 – More away day delight
