AC Milan’s business in this summer transfer window is arguably far from over, and there could be outgoings as well as incomings over the course of the next few weeks.
It’s been a busy window thus far for the Rossoneri, with deals being done for Fikayo Tomori, Mike Maignan, Sandro Tonali, Fode Ballo-Toure, Brahim Diaz and Olivier Giroud.
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Further, Diego Laxalt, Hakan Calhanoglu, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Mattia Caldara, Jens Petter Hauge and others have moved on, as Stefano Pioli and the Milan management continue to try and build a squad that’s capable of competing at the top level both at home and in Europe.
Reinforcements are still needed ahead of the new campaign given there are obvious flaws in the squad that need to be addressed, but it’s important Milan find a balance and continue to upgrade in key positions. In turn, that could mean players are moved on as part of the process.
Andrea Conti
With Davide Calabria cementing his place as our first-choice right-back, coupled with ongoing speculation that we’re looking to sign Alessandro Florenzi, as noted by MilanNews, it appears as though that area of the squad is falling into place.
That in turn leaves question marks over Andrea Conti and his future, given the lack of playing time that he’ll suffer with this season. With that in mind, it’s perhaps in the best interests of all parties concerned to seal a split.
Pierre Kalulu
Similarly to Conti, playing time is going to be an issue for Kalulu given the competition for places in defence.
The 21-year-old is still trying to find his favoured position as he’s able to fill in at either centre-half or right-back, and so a loan move could be beneficial for him to improve and develop his all-round game and come back with a role set in stone moving forward.
Tommaso Pobega
It seems the general feeling around the talented midfielder has changed over the course of pre-season, as it initially appeared as though an exit was inevitable, but there is a case in favour in keeping him.
Time will tell how the situation ends as we edge closer to the end of the window, but with Franck Kessie, Ismael Bennacer and Sandro Tonali ahead of him in the pecking order, keeping the 22-year-old around to offer depth and to try and develop him into a key figure moving forward would seem like a sensible move.
Rade Krunic
Krunic could remain as a key part of the squad as his versatility gives Pioli’s options while he does offer depth as we try to compete on multiple fronts.
However, if we’re to kick on and try to win the Scudetto as well as make a positive impression in the Champions League, we’re surely in need of more quality and a player who is capable of consistently making a difference off the bench. It’s undoubtedly questionable as to whether Krunic is the man to provide that.
Samu Castillejo
While his work ethic has always been commendable, Milan need more quality in the attacking positions if we’re to cause teams problems in Serie A and the Champions League, week in and week out.
Castillejo, 26, has managed to contribute just 10 goals and 13 assists in 108 appearances for Milan, which simply isn’t enough as we now start to face the best teams in Europe.
An upgrade on the right wing is desperately still needed, and moving the Spaniard on will help with the process of signing a replacement who is capable of being a real threat and a creative spark in the final third.