As Hakan Calhanoglu prepares to leave AC Milan, the likes of Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech are being linked with a move to the Rossoneri.
MilanNews, via the paper edition of Corriere dello Sport, note that the Dutchman is on our list of potential targets this summer, while La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Ziyech is on our radar too.
READ MORE: Why Calhanoglu exit is the right result for Milan but replacement key
Admittedly, they are just two of many, many names that have been put forward over the past 48 hours as Milan look to fill the void that Calhanoglu will leave behind, while also adding more quality in the final third and specifically so on the right side of our attack.
It’s crucial that Milan get these two signings right. Despite the criticism over inconsistency and a lack of top-level quality, Calhanoglu was an integral part of the side over the last four years and so it’s imperative we bring in players this summer who can bring genuine creative class to the team and produce week in and week out.
Given our return to the Champions League next season, we need a degree of certainty over what any player in question can bring, as ultimately gambling on such a crucial area could be a mistake.
Van de Beek, Ziyech emerge as two ideal targets
Naturally, this will be about opinion and preference as other touted targets will no doubt be eyed by other supporters and pundits as they’ll believe that they’re a better fit for us.
However, in Van de Beek, Milan would have a highly-talented 24-year-old who has seen his career stutter at Manchester United, and he will no doubt be desperate to get back on track and prove himself at the highest level.
The Dutch international made just 19 Premier League appearances last season in a bit-part role for United, but it shouldn’t be forgotten just how influential he was for Ajax with 41 goals and 34 assists in 175 games.
Given his current situation at Old Trafford, it’s also important to acknowledge the opportunity that Milan can exploit. If he has indeed fallen down Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pecking order long-term, that could open the door for a possible agreement, making Van de Beek a genuine option this summer.
If his role is unlikely to change at his current club, there will surely be a desire on his behalf to test himself elsewhere too, and with the quality he can bring as a No.10 both in terms of creativity and being a goal threat, he would be an excellent addition.
Meanwhile, Ziyech finds himself in a similar scenario at Chelsea after being limited to 23 league appearances last season, off the back of a hugely successful stint at Ajax too.
The 28-year-old was plagued by injury last year but also struggled to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans after his arrival, and so again, he could be an opportunity that Milan explore if he’s not set to receive the role he desires at Stamford Bridge.
After suffering with a lack of quality on the right wing through Samu Castillejo in recent years, coupled with the limitations with Alexis Saelemaekers in terms of his attacking play, Milan need to address that area of the pitch this summer.
Ziyech bagged 49 goals and 81 assists in 165 games for Ajax, and that’s the level of quality and consistency we need both at home and in Europe next season.
Both potential moves seem unrealistic at this stage, particularly when factoring in possible wage demands, but with Milan back in the Champions League and capable of offering them important roles moving forward, they could yet become genuine possibilities as we progress through the summer.
