Milan Turn To Fiorentina For Reinforcements

Following the appointment of Vincenzo Montella as Milan's new manager on Tuesday, the Rossoneri are reportedly set to raid his former club in search of reinforcements during the summer mercato. Montella's desire to implement an attractive style of play at Milan from next season means that the playing squad is in major need of an overhaul, especially in the midfield. As a result, Milan are being heavily linked with Fiorentina midfielders Milan Badelj, Mati Fernandez and Borja Valero.

Not only are these players all familiar with Montella's possession based tactics having played under him at Fiorentina, but they would provide Milan with an upgrade on the likes of Riccardo Montolivo and Andrea Bertolacci, both of whom struggled enormously at the heart of Milan's midfield last season. Valero in particular is a gifted passer of the ball, with the diminutive Spaniard capable of dictating the tempo of matches single-handedly in the middle of the park.

Similarly, Badelj would be an excellent addition to Milan's midfield with his composure, technique and impressive work rate. The Croatian playmaker was quietly impressive at Euro 2016 playing in a deeper role than the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Marko Pjaca, who has also been targeted by Milan this summer. Mati Fernandez would also provide Milan with a good option playing behind the strikers, but can't take priority over Pjaca or long term targets such as Riccardo Saponara and Roberto Soriano.

Milan have also been linked with Serbian defender Nenad Tomovic as a possible partner for Alessio Romagnoli in central defence. However Tomovic doesn't really represent much of an upgrade on the likes of Cristian Zapata and Gabriel Paletta, so Milan might want to think a little bigger when scouting for centre backs.

Whatever happens going forward, it's evident is that Milan are going into this mercato with a clear plan. In contrast to the uncoordinated spending of last summer, Milan appear to be targeting players directly suited to Montella's style of play. If these reports prove to be true and the new coach gets the support he needs in the transfer market, then this coming season could prove to be an exciting one for the Rossoneri.