It seemed heading into the final few days of the window that AC Milan were almost certain to sign a central defender, but in the end one didn’t arrive.
According to Wednesday’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanNews), the Rossoneri tried until the last minute to sign a new centre-back but in the end were not able to close any deals. Mohamed Simakan of Strasbourg ended up being the main target, but the management were not willing to raise their €17m offer to meet the €20m asking price of the Ligue 1 club.
The paper adds that the €3million was not an impossible distance to bridge, but Paolo Maldini and co. are well aware that the market reopens in just over two months, so rather than spending €20m on a defender who was never the first choice target, they will simply be patient.
Between now and January Stefano Pioli will have to make do with the current squad, but Alessio Romagnoli’s return will be a big boost to the centre-back department.
The Milan captain has in fact recovered from the calf problem that kept him out and could even return for the derby against Inter. In the background, Maldini and Massara prepare for the winter window knowing a defender is still wanted.
