AC Milan are reportedly progressing in talks with Luka Jovic over a new contract to extend his stay with the Rossoneri.
The 26-year-old arrived last September and has gone on to score nine goals and provide an assist in 28 appearances so far this season.
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With Olivier Giroud ahead of him in the pecking order up front, it’s been difficult for the Serbian international to cement his place in Stefano Pioli’s starting line-up, but he has still managed to make a decent contribution.
His one-year deal is set to expire this summer though, and so Milan must make a decision on his future in the coming months to determine if he’ll move on or prolong his stay at the club.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, it appears as though it will be the latter as it’s reported that the two parties are closer to reaching an agreement, and so it remains to be seen when the official announcement is made.
On one hand, it would be an astute move amid speculation that Giroud will depart this summer, as per Fabrizio Romano, and so even if it’s to continue in his depth role to push an incoming signing, we need that competition and cover if we want to compete on multiple fronts moving forward.
Jovic’s return this season has been a decent one and so for a player with his role, it arguably does make sense to extend his deal and keep him in the squad rather than have to identify and spend likely significant money on a replacement for him too.
That said, with speculation rife that Pioli will be replaced this summer, is it a good idea to be making these decisions before a new coach is appointed?
Regardless of his identity, he’ll have a plan of his own on how he wants his squad to be constructed and which personnel suit his ideas as best as possible. In turn, what if Jovic isn’t the right fit for his system and style?
It’s a tricky balancing act, and so we’ll wait to see if a new contract is announced before our widely touted coaching change, or if there will still be a significant analysis and assessment period of the squad at a later date.
