June 24th 2021 Mercato Summary
Milan made a quick move to sign a goalkeeper in Lille’s Mike Maignan, he to replace Donnarumma ofcourse. The Italy #1 has departed for the riches of PSG. Having committed a further €28 million to make Tomori’s loan permanent the transfer budget is now limited.
Laxalt has brought in a relatively measly €3.5 million by moving to Dynamo Moscow therefore more sales need to occur. Players like Castillejo are on the market and other possible sales like Romagnoli and Leao are not ruled out.
The best (worst?) indication that transfers will be difficult is the inability or unwillingness to pay the previous agreed fees to make Tonali’s loan permanent. Brescia had agreed to send Tonali to Milan for an initial €10 million loan, a further €15 million was due this June followed by up to €10 million in add-ons. Milan has been trying to negotiate down that 15 and 10. It won’t be easy and a player, possibly Giacomo Olzer, might need to be included to reduce the fee.
Calhanoglu, the second summer 2021 Bosman, left Milan and crossed the city to sign with Inter for a bit more than Milan were willing to offer. He needs to be replaced and the long rumoured Rodrigo De Paul is likely expensive and is now very close to Atletico Madrid.
As is normal plenty of names have been mentioned in relation to Milan. These include Domenico Berardi, James Rodriguez and many others. All would be expensive and if arriving are likely to come on loans. The same loan formula will apply to Brahim Diaz. The Real Madrid owned player looks likely to stay on another year long loan, possibly with buy option this time.
Some of the other names mentioned include Hakim Ziyech, who would also be expensive, having been bought by Chelsea for €40 million just last year. The attacking player would be a solid exciting addition.
Olivier Giroud could come as a veteran presence to help in the goal scoring department. He is rumoured to be close to a 2 years deal, on a Bosman eventhough his Chelsea contract was extended.
Milan are likely looking at a Theo Hernandez deputy, especially if Dalot returns to Manchester United. Junior Firpo could be that name. He is not getting playing time at Barcelona and would be a solid addition, although he may not get many minutes at Milan either.
Amine Adli would be a low cost attacking midfielder that would fit Milan’s strategy and budget well but with the team playing in the Champions League it would be risky to count on him (with Diaz) to be the creative force of the team.
