AC Milan have reportedly made contact with the agent of Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, who has emerged as a top transfer target this summer.
The 18-year-old joined Parma from Sampdoria last summer, and went on to make 17 Serie A appearances in the campaign just gone as he emerged as one of the top defensive talents in the Italian top flight.
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With the versatility to operate as a right-back as well as a more natural centre-half, it appears as though Leoni’s form last season has caught the attention of Milan, as the Rossoneri are said to be stepping up their interest in the talented youngster.
According to Antonio Vitiello, Milan have made contact with the player’s agent to try and advance in a move to sign him, and while it remains to be seen if Parma are open to selling and on what terms, it’s added that sporting director Igli Tare sees the teenager as a top target to improve our backline.
In turn, it remains to be seen if we’re able to land our preferred target, with Leoni also have earned seven caps for the Italy U19s to suggest that he has a bright future at club and international level ahead of him if he can continue to improve and develop as he has done thus far.
Albeit he is still inexperienced at the top level, Milan evidently believe in his talent and potential and see him as a long-term solution in defence, and so time will tell if a deal can be done, and what the knock-on effect of his possible arrival is in terms of who perhaps leaves to make space for him to establish himself in our starting XI under Massimiliano Allegri.
What is certain is that after conceding 43 goals in our 38 Serie A games last season, giving us the second-worst defensive record of the top eight sides in the standings, we’re certainly in need of becoming tougher to beat. While that will come with improving the squad as a whole and with Allegri implementing his identity and style of play, Leoni will potentially have a key role in that process too if he arrives at Milan in the coming weeks.