The focus for Milan now is purely on Champions League qualification, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that management shouldn’t be preparing for the summer already.
With eight Serie A games to go, the Rossoneri have their fate in their own hands as we currently sit in second place with a four-point cushion over Napoli in fifth spot.
READ MORE: AC Milan transfer news: Vlahovic and Scamacca on radar to strengthen attack
While results elsewhere may go our way, it’s important that we ultimately focus on what we can control and get the results required to secure a return to Europe’s top table next season.
That said, there are ongoing issues and areas that need to be addressed, some will have to be regardless of whether we qualify for the Champions League or not while others arguably entirely depend on it.
Donnarumma renewal
The 22-year-old’s current contract expires in a matter of months, and so naturally as we edge closer to it coming to an end, there is increasing concern over his future with us.
Having made nearly 250 appearances for the club already while showcasing his quality and importance on a weekly basis, there is no denying that Milan will lose a major piece if we don’t agree terms on a renewal.
It may well be that much will now depend on whether or not we’re playing Champions League football next season, and so this one could go down to the wire.
Tomori signing
Such has been the impressive impact of the Chelsea loanee, he has already made a serious case in support of warranting a permanent deal when his loan spell comes to an end.
The 23-year-old has adapted brilliantly to life in Serie A and is seemingly settled in the squad already, while his blossoming partnership with Simon Kjaer is showing plenty of promise.
Tomori offers qualities that our other centre-halves don’t really possess with his speed, physicality and athleticism, but as per Sky Sports, it could take €30m to prise him away from Stamford Bridge permanently.
Vice-Ibra
Adding more firepower to the squad will be crucial this summer, but we have to invest wisely and find a player capable of complementing Zlatan Ibrahimovic initially, before being able to take the reins.
La Gazzetta dello Sport have suggested that Dusan Vlahovic or Gianluca Scamacca could be the solution, and so time will tell if one of those talented individuals arrive in the summer.
Ibrahimovic has proven he can still produce at this level with 17 goals in 25 games so far this season, but with Rafael Leao, Ante Rebic and others struggling to fill the void up front when he’s absent, more is needed moving forward.
Right winger
After showing improvement last season, Samu Castillejo’s contribution has significantly worsened and he has produced just three goals and three assists in 39 appearances to date this year.
That is nowhere near good enough for a starter, and it’s questionable as to whether it’s enough for a squad player.
Alexis Saelemaekers offers more energy and potential when deployed in that role and he can certainly stake his claim for a squad role moving forward, but if Milan want to take that next step, adding a top-level right winger has to be a priority.
Depth at full-back
Much will depend on the decision with Diogo Dalot as his loan spell will expire at the end of the season, but we’re still lacking depth behind Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria.
Left-back in particular is an issue as Pierre Kalulu can step in at right-back if required, but if we do qualify for the Champions League next season and have a busier fixture schedule, we need a capable option to come in for Hernandez and ensure there is no drop off.
This is arguably a lesser priority as we can manage it, particularly if Dalot stays on, but there is an argument that it needs to be looked at this summer too.