Leao pushing AC Milan towards €40m striker
AC Milan have prioritized the signing of a new top striker to support Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Rafael Leao has failed to fill this role.
“The Leao project goes on regardless of his position on the pitch. Leao is young, he has quality but little experience in a difficult league. Establishing the final position is difficult because growth allows you to find solutions later on. The most important thing is his growth“, said coach Stefano Pioli in today’s press conference when asked about the future of Rafael Leao.
After his latest underwhelming performances, the possibility of seeing the former Lille play as a centre forward has been put in great doubt. For tomorrow’s match against Lazio, Leao is battling with Mario Mandzukic for a sport in the starting eleven.
The absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, also out against the Biancocelesti, is no longer a novelty. AC Milan’s need for a new striker, a true centre forward, is evident and Leao can’t fill those shoes. A top centre forward is the summer priority of the Rossoneri management and Paolo Maldini is looking in Italy.
Fiorentina new star Dusan Vlahovic is the most expensive player on the list rated at 50 million euros but his true price tag is believed to be 10 million less. Gianluca Scamacca has seen his stock rise recently with Sassuolo claiming he is rated at 40 million euros. Andrea Belotti remains another possibility. The Torino striker becomes a free agent in one year and is sure to leave this summer. Torino value Belotti €25-30 million.
A fourth path leads to Netherlands. Donyell Malen is having another great season with PSV Eindhoven scoring 25 goals and assisting 9 in 42 appearances so far. In order to sign Malen, AC Milan will be forced to negotiate with Mino Raiola, his agent. Malen is the new star of the Dutch football and is valued nearly 40 million.
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