Analyzing AC Milan's Tranfers Target for 2017-2018 Season

After a very hectic year due to work and other personal issues, I finally able to get my writing mood back again. This time is already gearing up for a new season with some early signings already on the books for AC Milan, so lets start analyzing at some potential arrivals or maybe departures, which I gather up from several sources, including those outside of random twitter stuff and crappy media speculation.

Goalkeeper:

Let's start from the goal keeping situation as apparently it suddenly become an issue recently, due to Gianluigi Donnarumma's expiring contract. Now speaking about the 18-year-old wonder boy status, several information and reports beliefs that it's more likely Donnaruma will eventually extend with the Rossoneri as despite recent negative voices from many fans, once he re-sign things will mostly go well for him. However, should the keeper can't keep up his form or improve it, some critics might eventually arrive for the youngster.

My take on the situation as that for now it seems to be nothing more aside from contract negotiation between all parties involved, though things kind of get a bit dramatic due to strong media speculation and exposure. Moreover, several interest from clubs might also triggered Mino Raiola (Donnarumma's agent) to make some naughty requests, feeling that he has plenty leverage to negotiate with Rossoneri's new management. Naturally, anything can happen in today's market, but for now, I haven't heard any concrete stuff indicating that the keeper want's out of Milanello.

As for backup keepers, Marco Storari has confirmed to stay for another year, while some uncertainty remain for young goalie, Alessandro Plizzari, who is also highly touted by many football experts in Italy and Europe. So far, there's been no indication on whether he will be staying or leaving on a potential loan deal as he is still young enough to play for Milan's Primavera squad. Hence, sending the player out for lower league teams might not be considered as a strong priority for Rossoneri. However, should Plizzari wants and believes that he can get regular playing time elsewhere, presumably at Serie B teams, a deal might be arranged later in the transfer window.

Defender:

Milan's defense situation is close to be settled already in this early part of season with the arrival of Mateo Musacchio from Villareal and soon, Ricardo Rodriguez from Wolfsburg. So lets talk at other potential targets along with anticipated departures.

Potential Arrivals

Andrea Conti:

The Atalanta right back is a firm target for Milan as a deal is set to be made between all parties, despite rumors of interest from several other teams, including Inter Milan. However, it seems that the player is strongly favoring a move to San Siro, following his former teammate, Frank Kessie, who already signed for Vincenzo Montella's squad. It shouldn't be that long to find out the clarity of this deal as both Rossoneri and the player is keen on resolving this matter before next week.

Nelson Semedo:

For now, the Portuguese international is reportedly seen as an alternative, though it will be much tougher to prize him up from Benfica, not to mention other strong interest for the player. It's not much of a story for now, though Milan have had some talks with his agent, Jorge Mendes, recently, but it's strongly believed any deal involving the super agent with the Italian giant will involve other players.

Stefan De Vrij:

The Dutch international was touted as someone who Milan are also keen on signing this summer, but after confirming Musacchio's arrival, things seem to cool down a bit. Rossoneri might still be interested, but it will depend a lot in the dynamic of this summer market, especially the Red and Black squad's other potential deals with Lazio. The Biancocelesti might not be keen on selling another star player to San Siro, but if they are getting good enough money and can find suitable replacement, Simone Inzaghi's side won't reject the opportunity. 

Potential Departures

Mattia De Sciglio:

Having a rather hard time recently, especially with his relationship with some fans, De Sciglio seemingly keen on moving with Juventus being his rumored destination. However, despite the indication that the move can happen, so far, Rossoneri haven't make any significant decision about it as they reportedly not keen on letting their home grown player playing for their arch rival. Apart from his reportedly unpleasant relationship with several supporters, I still don't have much clue or info on why the versatile defender is keen on moving to Turin. Naturally there's the influence from Massimiliano Allegri, who was an ex-Rossoneri tactician, but with Milan's potential exciting project, it's slightly odd seeing a boyhood Red and Black talent strongly keen on playing in Turin.

Gabriel Paletta:

Although there's been no concrete report regarding Paletta's future so far, but it's very likely that the player will be leaving San Siro before the new season start. Several mid-bottom table Serie A sides are strongly keen on acquiring his service, so it could just be a matter of what type of deal that will lure him out of Milan. Should no purchase offer arrived, another loan deal could be on the cards for the former Parma man.

Cristian Zapata:

The Colombian international might be staying at the club this season, but recent rumors linking him being used as part of other deal might change things. Obviously, a normal transfer away is still on the cards, knowing the fact that he is a Colombian international, who can still attract several teams. However, Milan are also considering their bench option for next season as if Paletta leaves, they might not have much in store should the ex-Udinese man also opting out. Still, up til now there's no concrete idea about the defender, aside from that he might stay for rotation purpose.

Gustavo Gomez:

Not getting much playing time last season, things might change a bit for Gomez this time around as Milan do have to play in Europa League. Nevertheless, just like Zapata, there's nothing concrete al departure is not impossible depending on the upcoming situation.s just yet for the Paraguayan international as he most likely will stay as back up, but a potentia

Other uncertainties also involving names such as Leonel Vangioni, who has several interested suitors apparently, Davide Calabria could also depart on loan, while Luca Antonini seems to be staying for back up as he would not mind that role. Things once again can easily change depending what happens in the market, but that's pretty much all for the defense section of the club.

Midfielder:

Already adding Frank Kessie into the mix, Milan are still looking for some addition, at least one more midfielder with strong creative character might arrive, though it might no shut down any door for someone with slightly different style. However, for now, the Rossoneri are strongly keen on acquiring someone with enough creativity that can enhance Montella's playing style even more.

Potential Arrivals:

Corentin Tolisso:

The Lyon midfielder has been talked a lot by media recently, notably due to Montella's affection towards the French international's playing style. It's certainly a possibility,  but might require strong persuasion and approach from Rossoneri management as the play recently stating his wish of playing Champions League football, something that Milan won't be able to provide this upcoming new season as they will only compete in Europa League. Nevertheless, it's definitely not a close door section for the Red and Black squad.

Cesc Fabregas :

Although his name hasn't been mentioned a lot so far this early summer, Fabregas remain someone who Milan is very keen on acquiring, especially as that big name creative and experienced player for their midfield. However, for now he is still waiting on Chelsea's decision as sources stating that The Blues are working on getting a new midfielder at the moment, but should that move don't materialize, they might strongly keen on keeping the Spaniard. Rossoneri will reportedly receive some competition should Cesc is available for transfer as Juventus, AS Roma and Manchester United are reportedly also interested.

Lucas Biglia:

The Argentinian international is strongly linked with a move to San Siro this summer, with current reports even suggesting that everything is done already. It remain to be seen regarding the transfer fee, but this deal supposedly linked with another player from Lazio as well, though it seems that the 31-year-old arrival is pretty much imminent with official announcement the only missing part from the deal.

Other names who are mentioned, but still hasn't received strong reports are James Rodriguez, who might be discussed soon with his agent, Mendes. Milan Badelj, who has been linked with Rossoneri for a while now, but for now he is not the main priority for  the new management it seems. Ruben Neves, is someone who might be linked strongly soon, depending on what happens in the market. Brazilian, Thiago Maia, is an interesting profile, who are currently being considered by Rossoneri management, but for now they have other priorities to finish. Another name that recently comes up is Swede international, Emil Forsberg, who is looking for a move from his current team Red Bull Leipzig and won't have an issue to play for Rossoneri.

There are two names that have similar situation at the moment, they are: Mario Pasalic along with Mati Fernandez, who were both acquired on loan by the Rossoneir last term. Both are well liked by Montella and current management as well, but it seems that there's nothing concrete yet regarding their future, though something might come up as the transfer window officially open next July. 

Potential Departures

I will also round up some names that have been strongly linked with a move away from the club such as Andrea Poli, who could end up at Bologna sometime soon. The Italian midfielder will only have one year left on his deal with Rossoneri at the start of summer market, so a departure is on the cards. Another one who could be leaving is Juraj Kucka, who hasn't been having an excellent season and seemingly struggling to play a possession based football due to his characteristic. However, there hasn't been any concrete interest for him at this moment, but with Kessie's arrival, the Czech Republic international might be seeing more of the bench next season should he stay.

Jose Sosa could also depart from Milanello, though the player seemingly keen on staying, but again should Rossoneri got enough arrivals coming in, his future will be up in the air. Riccardo Montolivo has been rumored to be considering a way out, should Lucas Biglia arrived from Lazio, but for now it's just some minor voices, linking things with World Cup year. No strong indication stating that Montolivo will depart seeing there will be enough playing time next season due to Milan's European schedule. Manuel Locatelli's future has also been discussed a lot by the media as they believe he might be loaned out so he can earn regular playing time for his growth. However, again there's still a big chance he will be staying as there might just be plenty minutes here and there for the youngster. Notably, things will depend a lot on the amount of changes that happens in that department this summer.

Attacker

Potential Arrivals 

Alvaro Morata:

The Real Madrid striker is touted as one of the main target for Rossoneri this summer, despite his recent statement about wanting to stay at Madrid along with strong approach from Manchester United. Nevertheless, Morata remain a target for Milan up till now as his profile seemingly suitable with what the Italian giant wants. Milan's new management, reportedly has made an interesting offer that the player personally like, but negotiation might not be easy, knowing Los Blancos are not desperate to sell the Spanish international. Nevertheless, with World Cup year on the horizon, Morata would like to have some playing time guarantee, which might eventually force him to depart from Santiago Bernebau.

Andrea Belotti:

Being a well known Milan fan, Belotti has always been an interesting profile for Il Diavolo Rosso this summer, especially after his explosive goal scoring season last term. Latest reports claiming that the Red and Black squad have made their first initial offer, which was still considered too low as Torino are looking for something more. Despite being valued highly, Sinisa Mihajlovic's side strong interest in several Rossoneri players, might be able to smooth things up. Nevertheless, depending on certain deal, Milan might be willing to play the waiting game as they put more pressure on Il Toro as time goes.

Pierre Aubameyang:

Former Milan youth player, Aubameyang is also being named as potential target though multiple sources claiming that he is set to sign with Paris Saint-Germain with a mega offer. Nevertheless, an official announcement along with signing is yet to happen for now, so any speculation can still happen, albeit slightly unlikely considering PSG's ability to fork out huge wage offer for the Borussia Dortmund star. As for now, from what I heard, there's been a verbal agreement between the player's agent with the French side, but official deal supposedly hasn't happened as just yet.

Keita Balde Diao:

Although mostly played as a wide attacker, or second striker, Keita Balde is a name that strongly wanted by Milan's management due to his characteristic. His goal scoring ability along with versatility up front is something that Montella is keen on looking as that can provide his side with many in game alternatives. Latest reports claiming that the Rossoneri had an agreement with the player's club, Lazio.

However, the rumors also stating that the attacker is still evaluating things as he is also keen on joining Juventus, though the Italian champion reportedly are not willing to offer an amount larger than what Rossoneri forked out. Things might be settled in the next few hours or by the end of week, the result of this potential deal might also changed some of the club's initial planning.

Gerard Deulofeu

Arriving on loan from Everton in the January window, Deulofeu has had a pretty good second half of season for Rossoneri.  Despite some questionable production in the final third, overall he has done enough to put him under consideration by Milan's management. However, the final decision doesn't depend on Milan since Barcelona apparently have that low buy back clause which might be activated this summer. That's why for now, the Italian giant is just waiting for what Barca will decide to do as they do have a new tactician in place for the new season. Reports seemingly indicating that Deulofeu might be more keen on returning to Spain, due to family reason, but just as I always said, anything can happen in the market and things changes easily at times.

Andre Silva

Knowing that the link for the Portuguese international gets stronger in recent days, I would just put his name up along with the others. So far, reports are indicating that Silva is someone who Milan's new management are strongly considering, especially after their recent chat with his agent, Mendes. Although, for now he is still not their main target, but Rossoneri are very interested with the player's profile. The reported 60 million Euro buy out clause could be an issue, but working with the player's representative, a deal could be done should the Red and Black squad are serious in getting the young attacker.

Other names who are being discussed, but so far haven't been strongly linked are Nicola Kalinic from Fiorentina along with the latest possibility of Diego Costa who is keen on leaving Chelsea. Atalanta's Papu Gomez is also being linked, though considering several factor, the player isn't Milan's main option for now, but something might happen as the transfer window opens on July. Giovanni Simeone's name also appeared often in the media, but knowing he is being regarded as the alternative striking option, it's not a pressing demand for the Red and Black squad this time around. Those names along with some potential others could be on the mold, should some situation changed regarding the main targets above, so more updates will be made afterwards.

Potential Departures:

Carlos Bacca:

The Colombian's future is certainly up in the air, especially since he was close to depart last season with West Ham United making a significant offer. This time around, with Milan looking for a different type of forward, Bacca is not going to be a number one option and might eventually leave from San Siro. However, so far I haven't had much clue on whether there's still huge demand for the Colombian international, considering his age along with signs of decline this past season. Should something new come up, I will surely update things up.

Gianluca Lapadula:

Having just received his first start for Italian national team, Lapadula's future could be up in the air, especially should report about Rossoneri planning to purchase two new attackers are true. The former Pescara star, surely has several suitors for next summer, but so far he seemingly keen on staying at San Siro. Naturally, should the attacker believes he has a strong shout to get Azzurri call up for 2018 World Cup, a move will be very likely to happen though the format remain uncertain. Still, for now his departure is not that urgent for Milan's management.

Some names who are confirmed to depart up till now are: Keisuke Honda, Lucas Ocampos who are running out of contract. Meanwhile, Patrick Cutrone could be heading for a loan this summer, notably if there won't be much space for him in the first team squad.

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