As we head towards the opening of the 2023 summer transfer window on July 1 for Serie A clubs, we take a look at the top five Milan transfer targets they could acquire to help bolster their squad ahead of the new season.
The news of Sandro Tonali’s imminent departure to join Newcastle United in the Premier League has been one of the main transfer stories this summer and the move could be the catalyst in a domino effect across the European transfer market. With the sacking of technical director Paolo Maldini earlier this month too, there have been a host of changes at Milan ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Once the sale of Tonali goes through, it will help provide Milan with a windfall of cash, and so the Rossoneri are set for a huge summer. The task is to not only replace the 23-year-old but to strengthen elsewhere too. However, just how much of that money will be made available to purchase new signings remains to be seen. Below we take a look at the top five 2023 Milan transfer targets this summer.
Top Five 2023 Milan Transfer Targets
5. Lois Openda (RC Lens)
Milan need a new centre-forward, especially due to the retirement of legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic. There was initial interest in Marcus Thuram but the Frenchman is heading to Inter instead. Yet another kick in the teeth for the red side of Milan. There was also interest in Romelu Lukaku but the Belgian does not want to join Milan, and instead would prefer a return to rivals Inter. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Lukaku’s lawyer has confirmed that there haven’t been any talks between the forward and Milan.
Lens forward Lois Openda is another option for Milan and having bagged 21 goals in Ligue Un last term, the 23-year-old could help add some much-needed firepower to the Rossoneri offense that currently rosters an aging Olivier Giroud and an out-of-form Divock Origi. However, the talk of a hefty price tag means it may be unlikely that Milan would spend most of their budget on a forward, especially when there is a clear priority to replace Tonali first.
4. Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund)
A host of Serie A clubs are battling it out for Dortmund defender Thomas Meunier, according to German newspaper Bild (via calciomercato.com). Milan, Inter and Napoli are all evaluating the signing of the 31-year-old, whilst Aston Villa are also interested.
Meunier is out of contract next summer so it may not take much to prize the defender away from Signal Iduna Park, especially since the Belgium international made just ten Bundesliga appearances last term. It seems unlikely that Milan would go for Meunier at this stage, with the likes of Davide Calabria and Alessandro Florenzi at the club, and it appears that the Premier League outfit are leading the chase for the time being.
3. Florentino Luis (Benfica)
Benfica’s Florentino Luis is also on Milan’s radar and, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, a deal worth €30 million could be enough to get a deal over the line. The Portuguese midfielder could add defensive stability to the midfield and offers differing qualities to that of Tonali. However, Milan are looking for more than one midfield addition due to the injury to Ismael Bennacer suffered towards the end of last season.
According to Il Giornale (via MilanNews), the focus is predominantly on Fenerbahce midfielder Arda Guler at the moment but Luis is still on Milan’s radar. With Stefano Pioli’s side set to receive €80 million for Tonali, there could be plenty of money left in the transfer budget to acquire both midfielders.
2. Davide Frattesi (Sassuolo)
Davide Frattesi has been rumoured to depart Sassuolo now for some time and, despite Inter looking like they will sign the Italian midfielder, Milan are also in the running. The funds provided from the Tonali sale could help the Rossoneri beat out the Nerazzurri to the signing. However, Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali has stated that Milan are yet to get in contact with the club, whilst the likes of Juventus, Inter and Roma are in talks.
The sale of midfielder Marcelo Brozovic is likely to be the key factor in determining when Inter will be able to go all out for the Neroverdi star. With the sale of the 30-year-old still yet to be completed, it could allow Milan to take charge and secure Frattesi’s services, especially with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that the Rossoneri are meeting with Sassuolo later this week.
Fenerbahce midfielder Arda Guler has a €17.5 million release clause and Milan are in the race to sign the 18-year-old. However, interest is hot around Europe and the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are also vying for his signature. Still, according to Fanatik (via milanreports.com), the Rossoneri are going all out to sign Guler and have bid higher than his release clause in an attempt to oust the competition.
1. Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea)
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Milan are also in talks with Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The London club would be willing to allow the Englishman to depart Stamford Bridge over the summer and he could be a realistic and cheaper option to add more bodies in the middle of the park.
The latest developments, in regards to the transfer, indicate that the 27-year-old is extremely keen on joining the Rossoneri and it is now up to the two clubs to agree a deal in order for the transfer to be completed. La Gazzetta dello Sport are also reporting that the player himself has agreed a deal with the club. With Loftus-Cheek out of contract next summer, Evening Standard have reported that Milan are hoping a fee of €15 million will be enough to bring him to the San Siro.
Reports from London have also stated that Milan had been interested in the player for some time but interest cooled following the departure of Maldini. Nevertheless, it seems as though Milan want to target the player once more and a deal could be close, particularly since Chelsea are making it a priority to start to cut down their large squad.