AC Milan have reportedly made contact over Rodrigo De Paul, while Olivier Giroud could be edging closer to a switch to the Rossoneri this summer.
After securing Champions League football for next season, the focus for Milan in the coming months is on improving the squad and ensuring that we can be competitive on multiple fronts.
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In order to do that, we’ll need reinforcements combined with the current squad continuing to develop, and after signing Mike Maignan last week, it appears as though additional new faces might not be too far behind.
Milan step up De Paul pursuit
As per Daniele Longo of Calciomercato who has provided several transfer updates on our business, Milan have held initial talks with Udinese over De Paul, but we wish to lower his current valuation which stands at between €35m to €40m.
Atletico Madrid are also interested in the Argentine international, but Milan chief Paolo Maldini is said to be stepping up our pursuit.
De Paul, 27, impressed last season, as he bagged nine goals and 11 assists in 38 appearances across all competitions, and particularly with Hakan Calhanoglu’s contract expiring next month, adding a playmaker to offer more creativity in the final third as well as a direct goal threat will be important this summer.
Giroud to Milan close?
Meanwhile, it appears as though Giroud could be the next arrival as Sky Sports have reported that the French international is close to an agreement to join us, as he looks set to bid farewell to Chelsea.
Albeit limited to a bit-part role at Stamford Bridge, the 34-year-old contributed 11 goals in 31 games for the Blues this past season to suggest that he still has plenty left to offer at the top level.
It’s certainly an area in which we need to improve as adding quality competition and depth to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in terms of players who can lead the line is a priority for us this summer.
Tonali permanent deal boost
As per Daniele Longo, there is also good news for Milan with regards to Sandro Tonali, as it’s suggested that positive talks were held with Brescia and they could be willing to lower their fee to make the midfielder’s move permanent.
Competition for places and injuries interrupted Tonali’s first season with us, but there is little doubt that he has a key role to play moving forward in pushing Franck Kessie and Ismael Bennacer for a starting berth, while also helping us compete across the board if Pioli decides to rotate.
In turn, ideally an agreement will be found and a permanent signing will be wrapped up relatively soon.