Spezia Lay Eyes on Milan Outcast Mattia Caldara

Milan outcast Mattia Caldara has become a transfer target for Serie A strugglers Spezia, as reported by Calciomercato. After a decent season-long loan at Venezia in 2021/22, he returned to the base this summer. 

Despite Caldara’s respectable showings, Venezia failed to secure top-flight survival. The Ligurian team’s relegation to Serie B effectively ruled them out of the possibility of retaining the 28-year-old beyond the summer. 

However, Caldara has no future at San Siro. Milan are ready to offload the former Atalanta defender this summer. The Italian’s contract runs until the summer of 2023. It means the Rossoneri would lose him on a free transfer at the end of next season. 

Strapped for cash, Milan need to raise funds to finance their recruitment campaign. Though Caldara won’t command a hefty price, something is better than nothing. At least that’s what the Rossoneri are hoping for, considering the injury-prone centre-back is not part of Stefano Pioli’s plans for next season. 

Milan have slapped a €7.5m price tag on Caldara’s shoulders. The only way for the reigning Serie A champions to let the player leave on another loan is to extend his contract first. 

That could facilitate the anticipated move to Spezia, who cannot afford to meet Milan’s valuation. Thiago Motta’s men are hopeful of landing Caldara on a season-long loan with an option to buy. Unfortunately, they could only go up to €3.7m, a figure deemed unsatisfactory by Milan.

There is still plenty of time left in the ongoing transfer window. Spezia’s position at the bargaining table will only grow stronger as times go by.