As the January transfer window approaches its finale, Milan are getting desperate to address their defensive emergency. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Serie A top-four hopefuls have made a last-ditch attempt to lure Merih Demiral back to Italy.
Milan and Al-Ahli have opened a dialogue over the Turkey international’s potential return to Serie A. Rossoneri would ideally take Demiral on loan until the end of the season after emptying their budget during a proactive recruitment campaign in the summer. However, the Jeddah outfit is not enthusiastic about that prospect.
Demiral was among the number of European stars to have left the continent to bask in the petrodollars last summer. After four years in Serie A, the 25-year-old left Atalanta to link up with Al-Ahli, putting pen to paper on a lucrative multi-year contract. His salary is now the main stumbling block as Milan bid to bring him back to the peninsula.
Not only are Demiral’s wages prohibitive for Stefano Pioli’s men, but convincing Al-Ahli to accept a loan formula looks highly improbable. Given the financial aspect, the deal seems complicated, if not impossible. However, time’s running out, and Milan must make up their mind on short notice.
Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Bologna served as a stark reminder of the urgency at the back. With the clock ticking, it’s more likely that Milan will end up empty-handed. But if they can accelerate talks with Al-Ahli and find a way past several financial obstacles, Pioli could receive a welcome defensive boost.
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