Milan`s Frantic Search for Defensive Reinforcements Continues
AC Milan finds itself in a peculiar state of flux, still largely adrift in the transfer market despite having the advantage of an early start to prepare for the upcoming season. With just over a month remaining until their first official fixture – the Coppa Italia clash against Bari on August 17 – and less than a week before their departure for the Asian tour, coach Allegri is predominantly training players who were either part of the existing squad or have returned from loans but are not expected to stay. Ricci remains the sole officially confirmed new arrival, and while Modric is anticipated to join soon, he won`t integrate with the team until early August. The squad clearly exhibits significant and notable deficiencies, particularly in the full-back areas. The absence of both starting full-backs at this stage of the year is a considerable concern.
The Challenge of High Asking Prices
The urgency to address the full-back positions has been heightened by the recent disappointing outcome in the pursuit of Brown. He was expected to sign with the Rossoneri but ultimately moved to Fenerbahçe, lured by a more substantial financial offer from the Turkish club. For Milan, Brown was a strategic target, intended as a starter in place of Theo at a modest cost. This setback reinforces the initial premise: Allegri desperately needs to begin working with the finalized squad, especially new acquisitions, to foster understanding and implement his tactical vision.
The club`s management aims to provide Allegri with at least one of the two crucial starting full-backs before the team embarks on its journey to Singapore next Saturday. The name gaining significant momentum in recent hours, specifically for the right-back role, is Marc Pubill, the 22-year-old Spanish talent from Almería. His estimated cost is around 15 million euros. However, it`s worth noting that Milan`s preferred choice is Guéla Doué, the elder brother of Désiré. The Rossoneri recently increased their offer from 15 to 18 million euros, but the financial gap remains wide; Strasbourg has indicated they would only entertain offers starting from 25 million euros, plus bonuses. Vanderson, the Brazilian defender from Monaco, is also deemed too expensive by the club. Consequently, Milan is now reportedly set to decisively pursue Pubill.
