After Midtjylland knocked back their second bid for highly-rated youngster Raphael Onyedika, Milan have turned their attention to other targets. As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, the reigning Italian champions have shortlisted two talented midfielders in their pursuit of Franck Kessie’s replacement.
Milan chief Paolo Maldini has laid his eyes on Jean Onana of Bordeaux and Aster Vranckx of Wolfsburg as potential solutions to strengthen Stefano Pioli’s midfield options. Time is running out for the Rossoneri to replace Kessie, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer this summer.
Onyedika has emerged as the Italians’ top priority to fill the void. However, Midtjylland’s unwillingness to sanction the 21-year-old’s departure has forced Milan to consider other options. Strapped for cash, the Rossoneri cannot afford to pursue big-name targets.
That’s why Maldini is keen to add another prodigious talent this Pioli’s relatively juvenile squad. Onana, who was a rare shining light in an otherwise dismal season for Bordeaux in 2021/22, is the first alternative to Onyedika.
But it’s still uncertain how much last season’s Ligue 1 relegation boys would request to let their starlet leave. Per reports, it may take up to €4-5m to lure Onana away from France.
In the meantime, Vranckx has been a bit-part figure in Wolfsburg’s set-up over th past couple of years. Yet, his burgeoning talent has drawn attention from Milan. He would be a low-cost solution, but it’s uncertain whether he’d be an immediate upgrade on Pioli’s current midfield options.