Maldini makes Atalanta defender his top target in defence
Paolo Maldini has made Atalanta centre back Gianluca Mancini his top transfer target in defence.
MILAN TRANSFER NEWS – Paolo Maldini has already said yes to AC Milan. The former defender will be the new technical director of the club while Marco Giampaolo will be appointed head coach of the Rossoneri. Maldini is currently working to complete his staff,with Costacurta, Zvonimir Boban and Igli Tare his preferred choices, but at the same time he is keeping a close eye on the transfer market and especially to Gianluca Mancini.
AC Milan owners Elliot and Gazidis demand a revamped squad with young players. The former Rossoneri captain has prepared a list of targets he will try to bring at AC Milan this summer. In defence, an area that Maldini knows perfectly, his top target is Gianluca Mancini.
The 23-year-old Atalanta centre back is one of the most exciting Italian defenders in recent memory. He joined Atalanta last season for just 300 thousand euros and has established himself as one of the best centre back in Serie A.
Mancini made 30 league appearances this season, finding the back of the net on 5 occasions and helping Atalanta qualify for Champions League. A historic achievement for La Dea thanks to a great contribution from Mancini. After Caldara’s departure to Juventus initially, and latter AC Milan, Mancini became a regular starter for Gasperini’s side and received his first call-up in the national team in March. After playing 10 games with Italy U-21, Gianluca Mancini made his debut with the first national team in a 6-0 victory against Liechtenstein.
His talent has not gone unnoticed with Roma, Inter, Everton, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund also interested in his services. However, the defender would prefer to continue his career in Italy something that favors Milan who are hunting for young and Italian talents. Atalanta value Mancini at €25-28 million and have not ruled out his sale if this fee is met reports Calciomercato.
The Italian 23-year-old is a modern-day defender blessed with fantastic pace, agility, athleticism and great ball-playing abilities. He is capable of covering lots of ground and starting attacks from the back with his passing range. He is also a goalscorer, often advancing forwards in the opposition defence in set piece situations. Mancini is clinical, fearless, powerful and rarely gets flustered in pressure situations. Tall 1,90 meters, the centre-back is strong, aerially dominant and also has the pace to make recovery tackles. Excellent characteristic that justify Maldini’s interest in him. With Romagnoli and Mancini at the center, AC Milan would sort out their defence for the next decade.
