AC Milan are currently weighing up the possibility of adding two Manchester-based players to their squad, but it seems either deal will impact the other substantially.
So far, the January mercato has been dominated by talk about Marcus Rashford, and in recent days, Kyle Walker has also taken a priority on the Rossoneri’s list. Questions can certainly be asked about both players, but Milan’s interest is there.
For Rashford, the Rossoneri desire another attacker, and the Englishman is a profile signing, that could provide a different option going forward. Walker, on the other hand, provides a completely opposite profile.
An ageing defender who could help cover a gap at right-back, whilst having a Simon Kjaer-esque impact for the squad.
For the Diavolo, it seems like it will be one or the other though, with both currently earning high wages in Manchester. Rashford’s wage would have to be halved to move to Milano and Walker’s situation is seemingly not much better.
As a result, L’Equipe (via Francesco Nasato) reports that Milan will make a move for one or the other, and right now, an attacking signing is being prioritised. The report also suggests that negotiations with the right-back have slowed, with no contractual offers being sent.
AC Milan are close to completing another January exit with Luka Romero heading to join Cruz Azul on a permanent basis, a report claims.
Romero is on loan with an option to buy (set at €7m) at Deportivo Alaves. However, the Argentine is not getting much playing time, so much so that the Basque club are also considering ending the loan early.
The news first came from Cesar Luis Merlo on his YouTube channel that Romero will play for Cruz Azul, having rejected the chance to join another Mexican team in Chivas. To secure the 20-year-old, the Mexico City club will pay €3.5m to the Rossoneri.
Chivas tried to hijack the deal because they were also interested in the former Lazio and Mallorca talent, but they were unable to reach an agreement with the Rossoneri directors and so in the end Cruz Azul prevailed.
Matteo Moretto has also confirmed that the winger is heading for Cruz Azul, and that the formula that is being negotiated is not a loan with option to buy or even an obligation to buy, but a permanent transfer now.
Calciomercato.com state that Romero will sign a five-year contract with his new club and confirms that the transfer fee being paid is €3.5m, which in Daniele Longo’s words will represent a ‘full capital gain’ given Milan landed him on a free transfer.
Sergio Conceicao did not like what he saw from AC Milan during their 1-1 draw with Cagliari on Saturday, and he is preparing some changes.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write, the result on Saturday curbed the enthusiasm somewhat after the Supercoppa Italiana triumph. While Milan are not out of the race for the Champions League spots yet, they need some consistency to have a chance of catching up.
Conceicao called the first half against Cagliari ‘the worst of my career as a coach’. An immediate reaction is expected in Como and, also in light of the many close matches, he seems determined to make some changes, with an eye on the Juventus game on Saturday.
Defence
Since Conceiçao arrived on the Milan bench, the centre-back pairing has been Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw. The two should also start in Como, demonstrating that the Portuguese coach’s choice is a precise one.
The one who pays the price is Matteo Gabbia, who under Paulo Fonseca had earned a starting spot after the benching at the beginning of the season. Emerson Royal, however, remains the first choice at right-back, with Calabria still behind in the hierarchies.
The younger Alex Jimenez for now is an attacking solution to be used mostly while the game is in progress, as seen by the fact that he came on at the end against Cagliari.
Midfield
With a yellow card Youssouf Fofana would miss the direct clash against Juve. Yet, Conceiçao does not seem willing to do without the Frenchman, even against Como, because he considers him fundamental in giving balance to the midfield.
Against Cagliari the former Monaco player was criticised for his role in the equalising goal, but after 25 games in a row as a starter it is natural that he could show some signs of tiredness. The insistence – first with Fonseca and then with Conceiçao – in not giving Fofana a rest shows the lack of a deputy.
Ismael Bennacer is seen more as an alternative to Yunus Musah in games where more ball management and less forward running is needed. Tijjani Reijnders, however, is untouchable, although the Dutchman’s performance is slightly down after Fonseca’s departure, which could also be fatigue.
Attack
Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao will keen their spot, but should operate either side of Tammy Abraham. Alvaro Morata got the opening goal against Cagliari and his work rate was high as always.
Despite the missed opportunities at the end against the Sardinians, Abraham marked the Portuguese’s first trophy as Milan coach with the goal against Inter in the Super Cup and is appreciated for his energy and continuous runs in behind.
Who knows, he might also be the man who scores the goal that gives the Portuguese coach his first win in Serie A, while also fighting to show that he should stay.
AC Milan will make the short trip up to the lake this evening to take on their Lombardy neighbours Como in a Serie A contest they simply must win.
The scene was nicely set for the visit of Cagliari on Saturday: the Supercoppa Italiana trophy was presented before kick-off, and with both Lazio and Juventus dropping points there was a chance to take a step towards the Champions League places.
However, as they so often have this season, Milan stumbled when they couldn’t afford to. The end result was a 1-1 draw, after which Sergio Conceicao was far from impressed.
Today’s front pages
The Rossoneri must put things right against Como tonight, and the Italian newspapers are well aware of the fact.
La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Rashford first choice. First Milan offer to Manchester United. Conceiçao changes the Diavolo.”
Corriere dello Sport: “Milan: Walker in their hands. At 18:30 the battle with Como. Ibrahimovic awaits a response from Rashford.”
