AC Milan reportedly have a serious interest in Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic as the Rossoneri look to bolster our midfield options this summer.
Although there are various positions in which the club are looking to improve in this transfer window as we try to mould the squad to suit Paulo Fonseca’s ideas and philosophy, it was clear last season that our midfield must be addressed ahead of the new campaign.
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While Ismael Bennacer was sidelined by injury for a significant period, particularly in those deeper-lying midfield roles, we struggled for consistency and didn’t have the individuals capable of imposing themselves on games to give us a foothold and to control possession and tempo on a weekly basis.
In turn, that was a contributing factor to our struggles for form, and it’s an area of focus for Milan this summer it seems along with signing a new striker to replace Olivier Giroud, as Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Samardzic is being lined up as a possible signing, in addition to the possible arrival of Youssouf Fofana from Monaco.
Samardzic, 22, joined Udinese in 2021 and has continued to develop and impress, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 34 appearances in Serie A last season.
As per the report above, Milan are said to have a concrete interest in the Serbian international, and it’s explicitly noted that he isn’t considered an alternative to Fofana, but another potential reinforcement in addition to the Frenchman. That said, it’s evidently still at an early stage as the Rossoneri are said to be gathering information as to how much it might cost to prise him away from Udinese before making a formal proposal.
Nevertheless, it’s reassuring to know that the club are looking to plug the right gaps, and it’s hoped that we’re able to bring in new signings who will be able to flourish under Fonseca’s coaching to not only take their respective careers forward and reach their full potential, but simultaneously help the club become increasingly competitive.
Bennacer, Yacine Adli, Tijjani Reinjders, Tommaso Pobega and Yunus Musah are all capable of playing in those midfield pivot roles, but whether it would signal exits to make space and balance our spending to go and sign our preferred targets, it is felt that changes are needed if we are to compete for the Serie A title and in the Champions League this year.