Milan continue to stay busy and are about to finalize two more signings. As expected, Olivier Giroud landed in Italy yesterday and should put pen-to-paper later today. Brahim Diaz and Fode Ballo-Touré could do the same by the end of the week. The Rossoneri have come to terms with Real Madrid and Monaco, Gianluca Di Marzio reports.
Milan have been in talks with the Merengues since the start of the off-season to bring back Diaz. The formula has changed over the weeks. He will return on a €3M two-year loan, with a €22M option to buy. Real Madrid could acquire him back for €27M by June 2023 if they wanted to. He scored 7 goals and provided 4 assists in 39 matches last season and will contribute to replacing Hakan Calhanoglu.
The Rossoneri have also found their backup left-back. Ballo-Touré quickly turned into the top option for the role after attempts for various players. He will join Milan on a €4M permanent transfer, plus €500k potential bonuses tied to the Champions League qualification and his appearances. He will fill a vacant role, as Diogo Dalot served as the reserve on both defensive flanks last season. Between Monaco and Lille, the defender has accumulated 108 games in Ligue 1, setting up his teammates 9 times.
Milan invested the most among Serie A clubs thus far. They redeemed Fikayo Tomori for €28M and Sandro Tonali for €7M, while they will pay €1M for Giroud. They have not cashed in on any major departure thus far, as Gianluigi Donnarumma and Calhanoglu left for free.