Summer mercato 2015

[ACMILAN1983]

I don't think the situation is lost, but the club have to make progress on something to show that there is a project, both to the fans, press and potential targets. Thing is, the targets mentioned for midfield are difficult. Imbula's highly regarded at the moment and honestly there's a lot of competition, which will drive up the price (I see Inter getting involved purely to drive up the price to hamper others, even though they apparently have no interest right now).

Witsel is wanted by some massive clubs in the Premiership and also others like Juve. It might seem that I'm underplaying the club's ability to attract players, but if you have the English and Italian champions seriously on your trail and are strong favourites again next season, it's going to be very difficult for the likes of Milan to compete without even having CL football on offer.

Imo, Milan need to approach this situation by identifying targets that are more realistically approachable. I know I keep harping on with the same names, but they are more realistic:

- Cavani: The club also identified him and while the price being put out by GDS is absurd, there is a real possibility of getting him, especially knowing that he and Ibra don't get on.

- Allan: He's a mid tier club, there is interest in him from numerous clubs (including Inter and Juve), but at this point few are acting quickly. Realistically, Milan can go in discreetly to deal with Udinese to get him. He's not massive profile, but in terms of performances he was probably pushing to be among the top 5 midfielders in the league last season.

- Xhaka: I find it astonishing how few are actually pushing to get him, which is what I assumed before, hence I never even really thought about him. In Germany, he's been one of the best performers in the league (I'd argue the best midfielder of any club outside of Bayern), but he's not got a list of suitors like Kondogbia, Imbula or Witsel. Gladbach did finish third (bear in mind that Xhaka's a huge part in that as they were relegation battlers when he joined), meaning they have CL football so it might be tough to get him, but I'm sure that there's an opportunity there if Milan present a project that he's at the heart of. After all, he's probably hit a ceiling at Gladbach now, while Milan does present an opportunity to reach the very top.

- N'Koulou: Again, one of the best CBs in France this past year, but doesn't seem to have too many suitors at the moment. I doubt Marseille reaching EL is going to be a significant factor in him not wanting to join.

- Maksimovic: One of the best CBs in Italy last season, again a player who isn't being chased by all the top teams, but has the potential and ability to be a very strong signing.

Just a quick comment on Witsel, when I watch him he reminds me of Thiago Motta, albeit I think the latter is a more intelligent player.

[Hasan Rossonero]

Galliani says that a great forward and a great midfielder will arrive.

Before the JM debacle, it was widely reported, and admitted by Berlusconi, that we were looking for two great forwards.

I honestly don't know what we will end up with but we need 6 top quality purchases. I would want the following:

Darmian, Abdennour, Allan, Witsel, Ibrahimovic and another top CF. That will get us thinking about the top 3. And this needs to happen before late July to allow them to integrate.

A tall order. Sigh.

[Mathias]

I'd sign

- Pato (free agent) .. I know... sounds weird, but the guy's still got it. He would be an addition to any top european team especially for free.
- Witsel
- Abdennour
- Darmian
- Gundogan
- Lukaku

Like I said, zlatan is a short term option. I don't think throwing 20 million away for short term heals isn't a good option.

[Hasan Rossonero]

Short-term yes, but would bring instant charisma, cheer, and leadership to this Milan team that desperately needs it. I would be all for Ibra for two years even if it means slightly overpaying.

[WCmilan]

I would personally like to see Ibra retire at Milan, and if he does come it will start to attract the other players we need to sign too.

TBH, I have no idea where Merda is finding their money to invest, but they've already spent like 60mln euros in this mercato.
I'm not disappointed that we didnt sign Kondogbia, I always thought the fee for him was too high and I wasnt sure if hes be a superstar or not, though he's a good player. I'd still prefer Witsel,Gundogan,Verratti and the likes.

I would sign Pato as a free agent too, if he's willing to play a squad role.

[Mathias]

Quite ironic... for years he has done nothing but sign useless free agents and now he has one hell of an opportunity by bringing the duck back for free... and he prolly won't #gallianiproblems

[nefremo]

Pato? He's been nothing but mediocre in Brazil. I've watched him multiple times and haven't seen anything to suggest that he can come here and do a job.

I too am not disapointed about missing out on Kondogbia. Sometimes I wonder why people are acting as if it's the end of the world. (Not here necessarily but other forums) It makes me wonder why exactly people wanted Kondogbia and if they've ever seen him play more then a couple of times.

Anyhow, I hope we use whatever budget we have to really strengthen the midfield. We really need a midfielder that can "run" the game.

[Hasan Rossonero]

I agree.

Actually, I think JM is a bigger loss than Kondogbia.

Cavani is too expensive and I can't see PSG let him go.
Jovetic is great but injured a lot.
Dzek0...may be good but will City let him go?
Bacca- could go either way but for me doesn't have appeal
Ibra- older and we need to get him in conjunction with another forward to really make a statement

Missing out on JM was a big blow. He could have been our marquee signing right at the outset. I honestly don't know if we can buy two quality forwards.

[nefremo]

Rumors saying that we have secured a €29mil deal for Witsel. Take it as you will, as reports have been nothing but wrong this summer!

Also, apparently Galliani is trying to get Banega with involving Rami. Initially, the idea I think was to do the same with Bacca, but I think there are teams that willing to pay big money for him (Liverpool) so Sevilla is probably holding on to that "chip".
*by the way, both Galliani and Sevilla directors confirmed talks about Rami. Sevilla saying that they are interested but the cost may be too much. Galliani saying that Milan knows of Sevilla's interest and that we are working on the case to make it work for all parties.

Let's say this happens, Witsel + Banega is far FAR better then only Kondogbia. And I anticipate that the operation will cost the same. Witsel 29, Banega probably Rami (valued at 7-8mil) + another 7-8mil.

[Mathias]

Wait... no club signed samuel umtiti yet?

Galiani gogogogogo!!!!