Summer Mercato 2011

[Siregar]

If he won't be starter there and will only play bench-role, I doubt Fabregas would like to join Barca. He left Barca for hoping games in Arsenal I assume and now he wants to go back to Barca just playing bench-role? I do doubt it even Fabregas is a fanatic fan of Barca. The reason is just simple, he can be starter in any other big club in Europe. That's why I don't see his coming to Barca for bench role.

What I meant, Barcelona is his childhood dream club. As far as I know, he left because at that time at Barcelona he wasn't even given the chance to play. Now, as an established footballer, he would surely get his chance, and maybe he is willing to take the challenge and fight for his place. Getting into that starting line up is not an easy task, for anyone... But since his dream is to follow Guardiola's footsteps, he takes the risk.

Also, I think that if Guardiola would see Fabregas as an absolute starter in his line up, they would already signed him. This saga goes on because Barcelona always considered their midfield ready, and had their priorities elsewhere (David Villa, Sanchez).

Anyway, we cannot know for sure until he signs for Barcelona

You made very good points there in the second paragraph and I think, that should be one of main reason Fabregas needs to think about. If Barca do need him or really want him, they already splash the money to Arsenal to get him instead of getting 'unknown' player from Udinese (compared to Fabregas of course). He should be able to see in which team he will be valued more, he will be given more chance even to be one of significant player in the team. Fact that a player fan of club is something to watch on but definitely not the significant factor for a player in deciding in which club he would like to play IMO, chance to play or to be important player in a big club with ambition is more significant ones.

I really think that the problem with Milan regarding Fabregas is not that Fabregas is Barca fan but lies on that Milan don't have the financial strength to get him easily. If Milan have 40-50 mil money to splash for one player, I think Fabregas would have been a Milan player despite he is a Barca fan.

I forgot to say: Welcome to Milan Mania. Hope to read your posts often here.

[millinarios]

You made very good points there in the second paragraph and I think, that should be one of main reason Fabregas needs to think about. If Barca do need him or really want him, they already splash the money to Arsenal to get him instead of getting 'unknown' player from Udinese (compared to Fabregas of course). He should be able to see in which team he will be valued more, he will be given more chance even to be one of significant player in the team. Fact that a player fan of club is something to watch on but definitely not the significant factor for a player in deciding in which club he would like to play IMO, chance to play or to be important player in a big club with ambition is more significant ones.

I really think that the problem with Milan regarding Fabregas is not that Fabregas is Barca fan but lies on that Milan don't have the financial strength to get him easily. If Milan have 40-50 mil money to splash for one player, I think Fabregas would have been a Milan player despite he is a Barca fan.

I forgot to say: Welcome to Milan Mania. Hope to read your posts often here.

You're probably right about our financial possibilities... The news about Milan offering money + players for Fabregas reflects this. Also, if we check how much Milan were willing to splash out on one player in the past years, I think we never went above the 30 million mark. Of course Berlusconi could do it from his pockets, but with the financial crisis in Italy and him beign the Prime Minister, everyone would be busting his b*lls if he would do it... Sad news for us, but he is not going to sacrifice his political ambitions because of AC Milan. Those times are long gone...

It will be interesting to see the outcome of this Fabregas-saga, that's for granted. What a letdown would be if he remained at Arsenal tough

Yeah, and thanks for the welcome

[slifersd]

Why are you settling with a descent player for LCM. Ask Barcelona if they should settle for a 'solid' midfielder. Or Chelsea? Or Manchester United. Or Real Madrid...

Agree with you for the most part on the fact that we should not settle for anything less than a star player, but Man U has been settling on second rated midfielders for years. Carrick, Anderson, and Valencia are average players at best; Nani is inconsistent; Giggs and Scholes were past their prime; Fletcher might be the only midfielder on Man U that's actually worth a damn. In both match ups against Barca, Man U's shitty midfield were exposed.

[ElMago99]

Why are you settling with a descent player for LCM. Ask Barcelona if they should settle for a 'solid' midfielder. Or Chelsea? Or Manchester United. Or Real Madrid...

Agree with you for the most part on the fact that we should not settle for anything less than a star player, but Man U has been settling on second rated midfielders for years. Carrick, Anderson, and Valencia are average players at best; Nani is inconsistent; Giggs and Scholes were past their prime; Fletcher might be the only midfielder on Man U that's actually worth a damn. In both match ups against Barca, Man U's shitty midfield were exposed.

Speaking of our debate.....

Tuesday 2 August, 2011
Agent: Aquilani to Milan 'for €10m'

Liverpool man Alberto Aquilani’s agent has confirmed he’ll talk to Milan. “I think an agreement could be reached for €10m.”

The midfielder wanted to stay on at Juventus after his year-long loan, but the club did not take up its option to buy for around €17m.

He is not part of Liverpool’s plans this season and has made it clear he would like a permanent return to Italy.

“When you talk about negotiations like this, there is always an element of truth,” agent Franco Zavaglia told Il Sussidiario.

“Adriano Galliani is currently in China for the Italian Super Cup, but I expect to talk to him when he returns to Milan.

“I think an agreement could be reached for €10m.”

This week Rossoneri Vice-President Galliani admitted Aquilani was the type of player they were looking for to strengthen the midfield.

It would be a huge loss for Liverpool, who paid £20m to take him from Roma two years ago.

“Aquilani is still tied to a three-year contract with Liverpool and before his eventual departure we will talk with those in charge of Liverpool.

“It seems clear to me that the player is not part of the Coach’s plans, so the suggestion he could leave is concrete.”
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[sylrus]

10m for aquilani is to much
he should cost only around 5-8m
because of his injury prone thing

[russo-neri]

10m for aquilani is to much
he should cost only around 5-8m
because of his injury prone thing

Not only that, he's paid 4 million/yr for the next 3 years. That means he'd cost us just under 8 million per season. But this is the world we live in - no one is cheap...

[Aficio]

If Aquilani wants to play for Milan, he must reduce his wage because he needs a team like Milan, but we don't really need him. IMO, he will accept 2.5-3M a year or no negotiation at all.

I think we will get Montolivo/Aquilani so that our LCM position will be theoretically completed. Even if we fail to get a big name, our squad still can compete for Serie A and qualify the CL Group, and waiting for Winter Mercato.

You're right about this one, we did fairly well in our last winter mercato. Well, apart from the fact that our signings could not help us in the CL. In that regard, I think our "summer CL squad" and the "winter CL squad" will be roughly the same in terms of quality, maybe could be a bit stronger if we fill up that non-EU spot with a top class player in january.

You're right. If we can't get a top player this summer, it will be harder to get one in winter. However, I meant having a player like Montolivo/Aquilani will help us to ensure 2 players for LCM, so if we can't buy a world class, our squad still competitive because there are other world class players in Milan. It is better than focusing only on a big name with no real guaranty of success and the squad is still uncomplete.

Therefore, IMO, a good player to fill LCM spot first, a star latter. Step by step.

[Gabriel426]

Another thing, I think we are all putting too much attention on what this LCM must do..... To me, he just needs to be someone who can play both ways with a more offensive punch, like long shot, can dribble pass his marker and make good passes. He does not need to be someone who dictate the tempo of the game like Pirlo, since MVB can also pass.

Why are you settling with a descent player for LCM. Ask Barcelona if they should settle for a 'solid' midfielder. Or Chelsea? Or Manchester United. Or Real Madrid...

If you want to win Scudetto and go deep in Champions League, you need a World Class Midfielder. Van Bommel is certainly that (but for defensive qualities). No other midfielder is World Class currently for their offensive qualities. We need a player who is dynamic and can be creative. Even if we had Hamsik, Fabregas, Van Bommel, Gattuso/Boateng it would STILL be debatable if we had the best midfield. Certainly Barcelona's and possibly Real Madrid's would be better, with Chelsea's and Man Utd's about equal. That's assuming we buy 2 World Class midfielders.

If we're going to settle for a descent 2-way midfielder for LCM (Montolivo), then we will get 'descent' results. End of story. I don't know how much AC Milan can ACTUALLY spend, as our budget has been shady for years now, but if they're going to be as cheap as they seem to be, then our goals will certainly be in accordance with our budget (low)

WHich part of my post stated that Milan should just sign a decent midfielder? My point is that the LCM does not need to me someone who dictate the tempo of the game like Pirlo. It does not mean he can be just a solid player. He could be someone who dictate the game with his on and off the ball movement.

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Honestly, if Milan is going to hand out 40 mil for Cesc, I rather they give out that amount for Hernanes. Hernanaes is a bigger talent and it seems that the bigger the game the better he plays. Also pls don't say stuff like Cesc is still young enough to improve as Hernanes is only 1 yr older than him.

Another thing, I think we are all putting too much attention on what this LCM must do..... To me, he just needs to be someone who can play both ways with a more offensive punch, like long shot, can dribble pass his marker and make good passes. He does not need to be someone who dictate the tempo of the game like Pirlo, since MVB can also pass.

Hmmm... I don't know where you got this "Hernanes is world class" thing... but Hernanes isn't even making it into Brazil's NT squad.

... While Cesc has been captaining Arsenal (with inspiring displays like against Barca last year)... and also beeing an integral part of Spain NT.

Hernanes might be potentially a good player, in the future... But let's not make something out of him which he isn't. So far Fabregas and Hernanes are from two completely different leagues (figuratively and non-figuratively.)

Hernanes is not in the Brazil squad b/c the coach is really stupid. Since anyone who choose Lucas from Pool over guys like Melo(even know a bad season), Ramires, Jucelei and Hernanes is a very stupid coach. Quite surprise that he has not get the axe yet.

Cesc has been captain of Arsenal while Hernanes has been captain of Sao Paolo and even a few games in Lazio if I am correct. I would not discredit Sao Paolo as a strong team by any standards.

Lastly, Hernanes has been playing great for a few years, only problem is he played in Brazil instead of Spain, or EPL or Serie A. I do rate him higher than Hernanes mainly due to his ability to make other players better. Also, Hernanes pretty much played in a new position last year at Lazio.

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Honestly, if Milan is going to hand out 40 mil for Cesc, I rather they give out that amount for Hernanes. Hernanaes is a bigger talent and it seems that the bigger the game the better he plays. Also pls don't say stuff like Cesc is still young enough to improve as Hernanes is only 1 yr older than him.

Another thing, I think we are all putting too much attention on what this LCM must do..... To me, he just needs to be someone who can play both ways with a more offensive punch, like long shot, can dribble pass his marker and make good passes. He does not need to be someone who dictate the tempo of the game like Pirlo, since MVB can also pass.

Do you really rate Hernanes higher than Fabregas? Hernanes is good, but I really consider Fabregas to be a very special player and for me the only reason he's not regarded higher than he is, is because he plays for Arsenal, who have a group of talented players but lack an element to win. However, watch what Fabregas adds too the team, and it's clear he's the one player who they rely on to dictate matches and give the side it's character (Nasri did this to some extent when Fabregas was injured this year).

I disagree with your second paragraph though. MvB can pass, but he doesn't do what Pirlo did as a regista. Whereas Pirlo would start moves, spread play and dictate the tempo of our game, MvB generally is there as a solid outlet and defensive wall. His passes are generally to keep play moving, but rarely does he control play, which is very important in every top side these days (Man Utd had Scholes, Inter had Sneijder, Barca have Xavi and Real have Xabi Alonso). Instead our LCM is now the player to dictate the flow of our game. This was no more evident than in the Audi cup, where we had Urby in the role in the first match and he lacked the creativity or tactical intelligence to bring much to the role. Seedorf on the other hand, moved really well against Inter and was often a player the play revolved around.

Dev, same can be said about Hernanes at Sao Paolo and Lazio. Hernanes dictates the game while playing in a new position. On top of that, he scores around 10 goals for a midfielder while also making the same amount of assists. I do rate Hernanes a better player but thats not to say Cesc is a bad player by any means.

As for my second part, the point is that the LCM for Milan does not need to be someone like Pirlo who dictates the game that way. It could be someone who also dictate the game but with different ways. Point is, the LCM does not need to be someone who sit and spread passes but rather he could be someone who links up well with other players with good off the ball movement of his own.

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Should we all be happy that instead of going for Scholes, Milan is getting either Montolivo or Aqualini.

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If he won't be starter there and will only play bench-role, I doubt Fabregas would like to join Barca. He left Barca for hoping games in Arsenal I assume and now he wants to go back to Barca just playing bench-role? I do doubt it even Fabregas is a fanatic fan of Barca. The reason is just simple, he can be starter in any other big club in Europe. That's why I don't see his coming to Barca for bench role.

What I meant, Barcelona is his childhood dream club. As far as I know, he left because at that time at Barcelona he wasn't even given the chance to play. Now, as an established footballer, he would surely get his chance, and maybe he is willing to take the challenge and fight for his place. Getting into that starting line up is not an easy task, for anyone... But since his dream is to follow Guardiola's footsteps, he takes the risk.

Also, I think that if Guardiola would see Fabregas as an absolute starter in his line up, they would already signed him. This saga goes on because Barcelona always considered their midfield ready, and had their priorities elsewhere (David Villa, Sanchez).

Anyway, we cannot know for sure until he signs for Barcelona

Honestly, I think Arsenal is using Milan as a tool to up the fees for Barca.

As far as I know, Cesc only said he does not mind playing for Milan, but I think it has more to do with being a professional in front of media instead of proclaiming he wants to play for Milan.

Also, do we really want someone who wants to be at another club to begin with? As I stated it before, I will feel pretty gutted if Cesc puts on a Barca jersey next summer in the victory parade at Spain's Euro win celebration.

I really wish this Cesc thing is the the Nesta transfer, where it seems like Milan was chasing Canna/Cesc and ended up with Nesta/THE REAL Mr. X at the end.

[millinarios]

Honestly, I think Arsenal is using Milan as a tool to up the fees for Barca.

As far as I know, Cesc only said he does not mind playing for Milan, but I think it has more to do with being a professional in front of media instead of proclaiming he wants to play for Milan.

Also, do we really want someone who wants to be at another club to begin with? As I stated it before, I will feel pretty gutted if Cesc puts on a Barca jersey next summer in the victory parade at Spain's Euro win celebration.

I really wish this Cesc thing is the the Nesta transfer, where it seems like Milan was chasing Canna/Cesc and ended up with Nesta/THE REAL Mr. X at the end.

Well, with Galliani I always have the feeling that a lot more things going on, compared to what we can see on the surface (the media). So it is possible that Mr. X is a player who we didn't even dared to dream of. If I go by your Nesta-analogy, this time Mr. X could be someone like... Sneijder

Anyway, if we got Hernanes in the end for the midfield spot, I would be more than happy. Hell, I wanted him last year to join us.

[Hitman]

I do not believe we will sign Cesc simply because he does not want us and is fascinated to go to Barca, whether it be on the bench with a pay cut or not. We can't compete with that anymore. Just like how no other clubs can compete with us signing Ganso - he wants us and no other club, thats why no one is being linked with him no more. And I do think at the end we will sign Ganso - possibly another additional player.

I am not happy with the fact that Flamini, who has market value at age 26 right now, who we pay for 8m a season before tax, is going to be free next year and we haven't sold him yet. If we sell him we can get a nice transfer fee of at least 7m euro, plus we can see 8m in wages, that 15m is absolutely fantastic and we could use it for many positions. We need to sell Flamini this summer, or renew with him at a lower fee, we can't let him go for free and lose potential cash on him.

Hernanes is a very good player who could probably fill in our LM midfield role brilliantly. Personally I prefer Hernanes to Schweinsteiger, even tho Schweini is more consistent, but Hernanes is more creative. I am a big fan of Fabregas and he obviously is the dream but he is nothing but a dream I'm afraid. It is true though that we are after him, and thus implying we do have cash to spend. I sure hope that we end the summer signing a worldclass midfielder than can lead us to competitiveness in the CL. We have already missed out on Pastore, and soon on Cesc. The players that are available are becoming less and less as the market comes to a close.

I am a huge huge fan of Balotelli but I do not think we should bring him this year - maybe next..and as mrki said, if there is any team that Balotelli will shine in and be a good boy it is Milan. I do not like Cassano but I am in favor of giving him another shot until January, quality players like that are hard to find. I am also in favor of selling Pato for a fee of 50m - if that bid ever comes. I am pissed off by the fact that the kid is not developing and he is missing so many chances for Milan and Brazil. He is not headed in the right direction, yet... and hasn't been in a long time. 50m bids will not come after FFP begins, so if that bid ever comes in, we must take it. However, this is as impossible as Cesc arriving because Barbara is his current girlfriend and she's soon to be Milan's President.