Milan failed to reinforce their defence this transfer window – the one position that seemed the most important to strengthen, especially given the absentees in the back for the Rossoneri.
From Sven Botman and Gleison Bremer to Abdou Diallo and Eric Bailly, nothing clicked for Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara, as they made peace with just one signing – an attacking signing nonetheless, Marko Lazetic.
None of the defenders who were eyed matched Milan’s valuation and negotiations never materialized into anything concrete. However, two new names have emerged as potential targets for the Rossoneri.
Porto stopper Chancel Mbemba, according to Il Corriere dello Sport (via MilanLive), is the main alternative if Botman doesn’t arrive. In stark contrast to the Lille defender’s high asking price of €40m, Mbemba can actually arrive for free at San Siro, given that his contract expires at the end of the current campaign. He has been scouted by Milan for a while now and seems like a perfect transfer, even if Botman finally moves to the Red & Black side of Milan.
Ajax youth product Botman has long been sighted by not only the Rossoneri, but also Premier League outfit Newcastle United. However, Lille have so far been reluctant to let him leave, but all that may change come June.
Another name in contention for a move to Lombardy is Hellas Verona center-back Nicolo Casale. The 23-year-old stopper has been a mainstay in Verona’s defence and is highly regarded as a future star.
Lazio were close to executing the deal for Casale towards the end of the deadline window but failed to materialize anything and it looks like a perfect time for Milan to poach the Biancocelesti target, according to reports from Il Messaggero (via MilanLive). He is valued around the €10m mark, making him an affordable transfer for Elliott Management.
One thing is for sure, Milan have to fight for their first Scudetto title in over a decade with a depleted defence – the likes of which will prove to be instrumental in the run for the championship title.