Milan need another reliable midfielder to have adequate depth. The solution to their problem might already be in-house. Coach Stefano Pioli is extensively testing Tommaso Pobega in that position. He is better suited to feature as box-to-box, but his pre-season has been encouraging.
The 22-year-old did not sub off against Valencia, logging the whole 90 minutes, even though the manager made several changes during the course of the game. He generally played in a more dynamic role in his previous stops at Ternana, Pordenone, and Spezia. Milan do not utilize a three-man line, and he has to adjust. Should he manage, he would join Franck Kessié, Ismael Bennacer, and Sandro Tonali, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.
Milan scouted some youngsters, but the top alternative to Pobega is Tiemoué Bakayoko. They have an excellent relationship with Chelsea after the deals for Olivier Giroud and Fikayo Tomori. The Frenchman would return on loan with option. Napoli and Juventus are also after him as a possible cheap addition to their midfield.
The Rossoneri want some certainties in the role because Kessié and Bennacer will miss some matches in January and February due to the Africa Cup of Nations. For that reason, Rade Krunic will likely remain, although other Serie A clubs would give him a bigger role. If the decision-makers opted for Bakayoko, who has more experience, Pobega would leave on loan to play more, and not on a permanent deal. Spezia and Fiorentina would be the most likely destinations in such scenario, SportMediaset informs.