The work for the upcoming season can now begin as the summer mercato is open. So, what do AC Milan need, or more importantly, want?
There are several parameters that Milan have to stick to this summer. Of course, without Europe, there is a lack of funds available for the upcoming season, so the deep dive into the market may not be as extensive.
If anything, this is where the pressure piles onto Igli Tare and Massimiliano Allegri: identify the issues, allocate the funds, and move.
We know that the club are not fearful of the FFP regulationswith reports stating today that the club have passed the UEFA period, and are not worried about their future spending despite the upcoming season without European football.
In addition to this, around €40-45 million has been allocated to signing a striker, with Massimiliano Allegri seeking a striker of the highest quality. So, let’s start there.
The targets
As you may have seen reports, there are a few priorities for the Rossoneri: a striker, another central midfielder (assuming Samuele Ricci and Luka Modric are already counted as present), and then a pair of full-backs.
For the striker position, the club are seeking someone like Olivier Giroud, according to reports. A true centre forward, and the names of Mateo Retegui and Aleksandar Mitrovic are currently leading the list of possibilities.
Dusan Vlahovic’s name is still there, but the Serbian’s situation is becoming slightly more difficult, due to his own preferences. It is not impossible, but others are being prioritised now ahead of the Juventus man.
In midfield, the roads lead to Ardon Jashari, and the preference is clear as day. The midfielder wants to move to Milano, whilst the club are doing everything to sign him. However, there is still a gap in the negotiations over the price that will be paid. Around €10m needs to be found. Not impossible, but not easy…
At right-back, Guéla Douè and Martim Fernandes are the most recent links with both ticking several boxes for the Rossoneri. It is worth noting that the former is slightly more realistic due to the latter’s release clause of €60m.
On the left, Maxim De Cuyper is the idea that is being run with. When Theo Hernandez’s situation was beginning to look ropey in the early stages of last summer, the Belgian’s name rose quickly. With him wanting the move too, it should be a case of figures once again.
It is also worth noting that a winger and central defender could arrive in the next few months. However, this is dependent on outgoings first. At present, with Malick Thiaw’s situation, a defender could be more likely to arrive first.
Outgoing mission
It does not stop with incomings, with the Diavolo also determined to trim the squad a little. After all, without Europe, the squad looks bloated, and the Rossoneri can earn some money for getting rid of rotational options.
Several loanees that are due to return will be available for purchase, among them the likes of Tommaso Pobega and Noah Okafor. In total, you would imagine that close to €40m could be brought in.
Alongside this, Yunus Musah could provide a valuable asset for incomings, with his future very much up for discussion at present. Premier League clubs are interested, and a price tag around the €25-30m mark would be massive.
There is work to do, but Milan are not shying away from it. Instead, they are taking the summer by the horns and preparing an attack on Serie A. Last season’s results demand that, if nothing else.
