They finally did it! Milan are once again the reigning Italian champions after dethroning their crosstown rivals Inter. Nonetheless, the difference between the two sides was marginal, hence, Stefano Pioli’s men can’t rest on their laurels. Moreover, Juventus will be adamant on restoring their glory, while the likes of Roma and Napoli should continue to develop and perhaps become more threatening starting next season. Therefore, the defending champions will have to strengthen their squad by adding more quality and quantity to the fold. So here are five positions that Milan must bolster during the upcoming summer transfer market.
Center-Back
Despite the pleasant emergence of Pierre Kalulu as an unlikely center-back partner for Fikayo Tomori, the Diavolo still need to add some depth to their defensive department.
After lifting the Scudetto trophy, captain Alessio Romagnoli will likely sign for Lazio as a free agent, while we still don’t know how much time will it take for Simon Kjaer to make his return to the pitch and restore his best physical shape.
While Sven Botman has been linked with Milan for quite some time, Lille could be persuaded by Premier League riches and Torino’s Gleison Bremer won’t come cheap either.
Therefore, Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara could once again pursue Mohamed Simakan from RB Leipzig, according to recent reports.
Central Midfielder
Reminiscent to the center-back role, Milan are also down in numbers when it comes to midfielders, especially with Franck Kessié walking away following the expiry of his contract.
Moreover, Tiémoué Bakayoko should also head towards the exit door following an under-par campaign, leaving Milan with only two reliable options for the double pivot roles in Sandro Tonali and Ismael Bennacer, plus “jack of all trades, master of none” Rade Krunic.
While the identity of the defensive reinforcement remains shrouded with mystery, Milan have an obvious candidate to bolster the midfield in Renato Sanches who should make the jump from Lille.
It also remains to be seen if Tommaso Pobega has done enough to warrant a place at Milanello following another impressive loan spell at Torino.
Attacking Midfielder
At the beginning of last season, Brahim Diaz was considered as the Rossoneri’s solution for the number 10 role and one who can dwell at the club for years to come.
But after suffering from a severe dip in form, Pioli had to improvise in his lineup and come up with various solutions for the attacking midfielder role throughout the second half of the season, mainly starting with either Kessié or Krunic behind Olivier Giroud.
Nevertheless, the issue must be addressed this summer, and whether Diaz remains at Milan or not, a new player should arrive to bolster this pivotal role.
While Giacomo Raspadori has been mentioned, young Belgian talent Charles De Ketelaere might be the ideal candidate for the number 10 role, even if Club Brugge are reluctant to sell.
Right Winger
While Rafael Leao has cemented himself as the ultimate starter on the left wing, the opposite side witnessed an interesting duel between Junior Messias and Alexis Saelemaekers throughout the course of the season.
While neither man disgraced himself, Milan clearly need a slightly more accomplished option on the right flank, and Brugge’s Noa Lang could be the right man for the job.
But in the last few days, an interesting hypothesis has emerged to the scene, as Marco Asensio is now looking for an adventure away from Real Madrid and he could be available for a low cost due to his expiring contract.
In fact some even claim that the the Diavolo are leading the race for the 26-year-old Spaniard with Maldini having contacted his old manager Carlo Ancelotti to gain some ground over other suitors.
This would surely be a major coup for the Italian champions.
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Center Forward
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic out for the majority of the campaign (and already regressing into a part-time footballer), Olivier Giroud surely can’t hold the whole department on his shoulders, as he’s not exactly a spring chicken either.
While Milan are already set to announce the capture of Divock Origi in the coming days, the former Liverpool benchwarmer might not be sufficient on his own.
Therefore, Maldini and company are reportedly working on other fronts as well, with Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca emerging as a possible candidate, even if he won’t come cheap.
Moreover, the Rossoneri’s longtime transfer target Andrea Belotti is reportedly turning down the likes of Monaco and Fiorentina, as he’s still hoping for a Milan call. Il Gallo has recently bid Torino farewell following the expiry of his contract, and is now available as a free agent.