Throughout the summer, AC Milan were intent on adding Youssouf Fofana to their midfield but had things gone differently in their pursuit, the Rossoneri had a plan B prepared.
Although Milan spent all summer courting Fofana, at several points it seemed like the deal would not be completed, and therefore, when it came to light that other options were being considered it did not come as a shock.
There were two real points where the deal seemed unlikely to happen. Firstly, when Manchester United entered the equation, and secondly when Monaco continued to reject any incoming offers. However, with the Frenchman only wanting a move to the Diavolo, it seemed like they had it in the bag, either this summer or next. Now, of course, we know it was the former.
As Tuttomercatoweb (via Radio Rossonera) reports, though, if he had not arrived, Milan would have gone for Samuele Ricci. According to the report, Geoffrey Moncada is a ‘great admirer’ of the player, and the Italian youngster could have been a ‘good alternative’ if the deal for Fofana had not happened.
The young talent is on the ‘notebooks’ of several of the top Serie A clubs, so if the Rossoneri want to revisit a deal, they will face heavy competition.