It was years ago when AC Milan last lifted the Scudetti. The Milan club’s crisis in the transfer market is well documented given their decline which stemmed from their inability to hold on to players, and this consequently led to their inability to attract players. AC Milan’s recent history suggests a renaissance. While that could be quoted as an overstatement, given AC Milan’s turmoil at the start of the season, but the ship still stands, courtesy of the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the others who managed to find their feet since then. The good run of form has created a promising atmosphere for new acquisitions. This brings the question, How Could AC Milan Line Up Next Season?
How AC Milan could lineup next season
Probable transfers for AC Milan
The Defense
Centre-Back
AC Milan’s struggles at the back are well known given the 46 goals they conceded in Serie A this past season. They need reinforcements to provide backing to Alessio Romagnoli and Simon Kjær.
Possible Centre-Back options
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Dayot Upamecano – While it might sound ludicrous to suggest that a defender who is in the Semi-Finals of the Champions League with RB Leipzig would be willing to join AC Milan, it’s not impossible if AC Milan can match the price Leipzig wants. There have been reports of AC Milan considering a bid for Upamecano but only time will tell if that’s going to happen.
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Nikola Milenkovic – After yet another eye-catching campaign for Fiorentina, the Manchester United linked man could finally secure a move to a bigger club. AC Milan have been keeping tabs on the 22-year old Serbian and could pounce when the opportunity is presented. If a transfer were to take place, it could involve a player swap, with reports suggesting Lucas Paqueta could move the other way.
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Eric Bailly – The Manchester United man had massive hype surrounding him when he joined. While he is a man of incredible talent, his constant injuries have put him on the shelf many times, costing him precious time in his career. It could time for a change for the Ivorian and AC Milan could provide him a lifeline.
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Thiago Silva – The former Milan man has built quite a CV since he departed from the club in 2012. The Brazilian decided to call it quits at PSG and a move back to AC Milan has been heavily touted. The possibility of the deal cannot be understated given his age and the respect he has for his former employers.
Probable target – Thiago Silva
Cost – Free
Reason – While all the defenders have a good chance of signing with AC Milan, none is more probable than a possible reunion with Thiago Silva.
Right-Back
Serge Aurier – The Ivorian hasn’t had the best campaign with Spurs but his attacking strengths cannot go unnoticed. His attacking ability and intent will add to the attacking threat that AC Milan need.
Cost- 25 million euros
The Midfield
The most likely addition to the midfield is the Defensive Midfield position.
Possible Defensive Midfield options
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Tiémoué Bakayoko – Tiémoué Bakayoko is on top of the Rossoneri’s list. The French star had a short but impressive loan spell at the San Siro and looks set to have agreed on terms for a move. But it hasn’t stopped other clubs from fighting for his signature. His resemblance to that of a vintage defensive midfielder can help him provide cover for the team against any counter-attacks.
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Florentino Luís – Hailed as one of the best young talents in Europe, The Benfica player has been a subject of major transfer speculation involving plenty of clubs. AC Milan are one of them. The 20-year-old Portuguese has a mean reputation for keeping Benfica’s midfield almost impenetrable and helped the Lisbon based club lift the Primeira Liga title in the 2018-19 season.
Probable Target- Tiémoué Bakayoko
Cost- 30 million euros
Reason- It seems uncertain that Florentino Luis will move to AC Milan due to the asking price and the competition from other clubs. There are rumors of him moving to the newly promoted Leeds United or Fulham, on loan. On the other hand, the deal involving Tiémoué Bakayoko seems to be in the advanced stages with personal terms already agreed.
Forwards
Striker
Zlatan Ibrahimovic- It’s almost easy to think that an extension will be agreed for Zlatan Ibrahimovic despite concerns. The Swedish football legend has been a major influence behind AC Milan’s recent resurgence. While he’s 38, his ability to score goals hasn’t diminished since those youthful years and shall continue to exist for the foreseeable future but AC Milan will likely be on the lookout for possible options in the future.
Cost- Free
Ante Rebic – The Croatian international has been in blazing form in 2020, netting 12 goals in 2020 until the season ended. AC Milan are putting major efforts to sign the World Cup finalist from Eintracht Frankfurt on a permanent deal. The deal could potentially cost 40 million euros, but the move is definitely on the cards.
Cost- 40 million euros
This is how AC Milan could lineup next season
AC Milan could lineup in 4-2-3-1 formation with a double pivot featuring Bakayoko and Frank Kessie or Bennacer beside him.
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