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Milan, revolution in midfield? Who leaves and who arrives

Christian Kouame, Milan-Genoa

Christian Kouame, Milan-Genoa (Getty Images)

A revolution could take place at AC Milan this summer with several midfielders destined to leave and be replaced with fresh faces.

For next season, AC Milan are expected to change certain things like every summer but modifications could be drastic in a particular department. The management and coach Gattuso (if he stays) are projecting a more attacking Milan squad but that could require the sacrifice of some player and the signing of a couple of new faces. The recent negative result could also impact the final decision regarding the future of some players.

According to the predictions of Calciomercato, the Rossoneri are fully concentrated in midfield, not because of the unreliability of the players currently on the squad, but due to some issues related to the future and the contracts of some of the midfielders available to coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Lucas Paqueta

Talks have emerged about a possible summer revolution in midfield by Milan. Let’s start with those who will certainly not move: Lucas Paqueta, arrived in Italy in January, he will be one of the pillars of Milan for many years to come. The Brazilian 21 year old international has played in numerous roles so far but never in his natural position as attacking midfielder. A star in the making, we can expect much more from Paqueta in the future.

A revolution could take place at AC Milan this summer with several midfielders destined to leave and be replaced with fresh faces.

Another player who is guaranteed to stay is Giacomo Bonaventura. The Italian midfielder, that has often been used as left winger, has made only 8 appearances this season. He suffered a knee injury in October that should keep him out for the rest of the season. However when he returns he will play an important role within the team. Bonaventura is also expected to renew his contract soon.

A decisive move for the future of AC Milan is going to be the signing of Tiemoue Bakayoko on a permanent basis. The 24 year old French has become a key member of the squad and the management wants to keep him. His performances have improved drastically after a troubling start of life in Italy and Bakayoko is now a regular in the starting eleven. AC Milan have the right to sign Bakayoko from Chelsea for 35 million euros at the end of the season.

Tiemoue Bakayoko

In order to buy Tiemoue Bakayoko, AC Milan must qualify at all costs in Champions League this season. The total investment for the French midfielder is going to be 40 million euros plus a rich contract for the player, that’s why a place in the top four is a must. Nevertheless, a sacrifice could be required to buy Bakayoko and also invest in other players.

A revolution could take place at AC Milan this summer with several midfielders destined to leave and be replaced with fresh faces.

In fact, two sacrifices rather than just one. Both protagonists of an ugly incident in the derby. Franck Kessie is highly sought after abroad, especially in England. His current price tag is 40 million euros but if interest remains high Milan could earn even more from his sale. Tottenham and Arsenal are the biggest fans of the 22 year old Ivorian.

Bakayoko’s permanence would translate to reduced space for Lucas Biglia. The Argentine has reached 33 years of age and next season his contract with the Rossoneri expires next season. Selling Biglia this summer represents AC Milan’s last chance to profit something from his sale. Even though his experience could be very useful for the club. He wants to renew and end his career at Milan but, at least for now, the Rossoneri have no intention of offering him the renewal. Other redundancies like Bertolacci, Jose Mauri and Montolivo are sure to leave at the end of the season.

Jordan Veretout

Instead, the names that could join AC Milan’s midfield are many. In Italy, sporting director Leonardo is observing with great attention the progress of Jordan Veretout of Fiorentina and Soualiho Meite of Torino. Both are being considered for the role of Kessie’s replacement. Another interesting target is Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes of Sporting Lisbon while the dream remains Adrien Rabiot. The young star of PSG becomes a free agent this summer.


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