Milan’s need for a winger has brought them down to shortlist two attackers who are being side-eyed by both their respective clubs.
Of all the wingers present in the first team, only Rafael Leao and Alexis Saelemaekers have been pocketing regular game time. The others, including Junior Messias, Samu Castillejo and Ante Rebic, all have just 52 appearances this season cumulatively.
With reinforcements needed on the flanks, Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, who has so far been outcasted this campaign in the Premier League by Mikel Arteta, is said to interest Milan as a transfer target. (via Corriere dello Sport)
One of the reasons why is Pepe’s price tag, which has drastically fallen since he joined Arsenal from Lille for a whopping fee of €80m. He currently has a transfermarkt value of €30m – something that could prompt the Rossoneri to hold talks for the Frenchman in the summer.
However, it is unknown if Arsenal are willing to accept the transfer fee predicated for one of their biggest ever transfers, although they have little to argue due to the drop in Pepe’s form and lack of game time.
The next in contention is Juventus castaway Federico Bernardeschi, according to reports from PianetaMilan. The EURO 2020 winner has fallen behind in Massimiliano Allegri’s pecking order, especially after the arrivals of new signings. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Bernardeschi is bound to exit Allianz Stadium as a free agent.
The Diavolo are probing the prospect of luring him in the summer, especially since the club looks forward to expanding homegrown players in their ranks. The 28-year-old has already been the subject of interest from the Milan management in the past, when his profile was evaluated during his Fiorentina days, after which the Bianconeri were quick to snap him.
Juventus have already offered Bernardeschi a downgraded contract renewal offer, considerably less than what the currently earns. The Viola youth product is not keen on accepting the offer and seems keen to wait out until new offers arrive for him. Spanish giants Barcelona have also been linked to him in the past.