Atalanta’s Josip Ilicic could join AC Milan next summer if Hakan Calhanoglu decides against extending his contract, according to MilanNews. The former Bayer Leverkusen ace will become a free agent at the end of the season unless the Italian powerhouse convince him to commit to a new deal by then.
The Rossoneri are desperate to retain Calhanoglu, who has undergone a renaissance at the San Siro since Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s arrival last winter. However, the Turk’s agent continues to play a transfer poker with Milan in a bid to secure the best terms for his client.
Since the resumption of football on the back of the coronavirus lockdown last year, Calhanoglu has transformed into one of the most prolific playmakers in Serie A. This season, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder has been of paramount importance for Milan, netting seven goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions.
Terrified by the prospect of losing an essential part of their squad, the Lombardian giants are entertaining the idea of signing Calhanoglu’s Atalanta counterpart.
Ilicic was a beating heart of the La Dea side that reached the Champions League quarter-finals in their debut campaign in the competition back last season. The Slovenian’s breathtaking poker against Valencia in the round of 16 probably the best illustrates his outstanding season.
The 33-year-old has around 14 months left on his contract in Bergamo and will command a relatively low transfer fee in the region of €4-6million.
Despite entering his twilight years, the left-footed forward has demonstrated this season that he is still a difference-maker, racking up six goals and nine assists in all competitions. Milan got to see Ilicic’s brilliance first-hand when Atalanta won 3-0 at the San Siro in late January.
But even if Stefano Pioli’s side persuade the Slovenia international to swap allegiances, he would only be a short-term solution.