OPINION: Rating Milan's Midfield Transfer Rumours Thus Far

Milan are undergoing huge tactical changes this summer. Giampaolo is shifting the team from almost 5 years of 4-3-3 to a 4-3-1-2. Concurrently, Milan released the bulk of their midfield including Montolivo, Bertolacci, Mauri , and Bakayoko whilst shifting to a midfield intensive system. Milan need to stack up in the middle of the pitch and the rumours have been wild thus far.

Here's a look at the midfield rumours for Milan after just one month and their likelihood:

Dennis Praet

Likelihood: 7/10

Rumour Rating: C

Compatibility: High

Praet has been linked to Milan largely due to his great performances last season under Giampaolo and the rumours are based on a reunion. The deal works perfectly for Milan as Praet fits into Giampaolo’s 4-3-1-2 system and Milan currently lack a LCM given Paqueta’s shift to a CAM and Bonaventura’s injury. The deal is likely as Sampdoria need to sell this summer and the price tag for Praet is within Milan’s range.

Stefano Sensi

Likelihood: 2/10

Rumour Rating: B+

Compatibility: Relatively High

Sensi has been linked to Milan again following a lengthy pursuit in January. The Sassuolo man would be a good fit as a regista in Giampaolo’s system but there has been fierce competition. Realistically Sensi will likely go to Inter as Milan cannot dish out an absurd amount for him and nor should they. Sensi is good but he is not worth over €15-20 million.

Lucas Torreira

Likelihood: 5/10

Rumour Rating: A

Compatibility: Very High

This is the most intriguing rumour thus far. Another Giampaolo reunion story however there is traction as Torreira seems to want a move back to Italy and Milan is the best option for him given his direct entry into the First XI and his compatibility with the 4-3-1-2. Two stumbling blocks are: Arsenal’s desire to keep him and his lofty price tag. If there is to be a big signing this summer, it will likely be Torreira but there is still much distance.

Dani Ceballos

Likelihood: 3/10

Rumour Rating: B

Compatibility: Relatively High

Ceballos has been linked following Milan’s meetings with Real Madrid. The midfielder wants more game time and is being crowded out in Madrid. He would be an incredible signing however it is largely unlikely he would join. Madrid have spent lots already and need to sell thus the preference for a departure would be an outright sale whereas Milan are looking to loan. Furthermore, it is unlikely Ceballos would find Milan appealing over the other offers from clubs in the Champions League.

Isco

Likelihood: 1/10

Rumour Rating: D

Compatibility: Moderate

Another summer, another link to Isco. This will definitely not happen for a number of reasons: the price, the alternate options for the player and the good rapport between Isco and Zidane. It is good to dream but realistically it will be very hard to motivate a player such as Isco to join Milan especially given the new salary caps imposed by Elliot.

Daniele de Rossi

Likelihood: 4/10

Rumour Rating: C

Compatibility: Moderate

This would be a huge deal for Milan. Some veteran leadership and fire into the dressing room. Once again though, this seems unlikely due to the stiff competition between Milan and AS Roma. Despite de Rossi’s desire to remain in Serie A, it would be hard to see him join a direct competitor to his boyhood club. It seems more plausible for him to join a mid-table team.

Jordan Veretout

Likelihood: 6/10

Rumour Rating: B+

Compatibility: Moderate

Veretout seems to be Milan’s plan B if they cannot acquire Torreira. He is a good passer and can anchor the midfield. Moreover, he has significant Serie A experience and is flexible to adapt to the 4-3-1-2. However, similar to Sensi his price tag is being inflated by about €5-10 million and this is an issue for Milan.

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Likelihood: 4/10

Rumour Rating: C

Compatibility: Low

Pellegrini was linked to Milan early on in the summer but this has quieted down perhaps due to the difference in his style to that of Giampaolo. Pellegrini still seems likely to depart Roma however Milan would not meet the prescribed price given he does not serve a clear need for the rossoneri. Moreover, Pellegrini would not have a guaranteed starting spot at Milan thus the move would not make sense for him.

Sandro Tonali

Likelihood: 1/10

Rumour Rating: D

Compatibility: High

Tonali is one of the highest rated young midfielders in Italy. He gained promotion with Brescia and has impressed with the Italy U-21 this summer. The midfielder is being linked to Milan as he gave an interview where he stated that he was a Milan fan and admired Gennaro Gattuso. Brescia do not want to sell him and he will almost certainly stay with them this season to ensure they do not drop back down.

Emanuel Vignato

Likelihood: 7/10

Rumour Rating: B

Compatibility: Moderate

Vignato has been recently linked to Milan as a potential CAM for the future. He played for relegated Chievo Verona this past season and racked up six goals between Serie A and the Primavera. Vignato does not fit very well in a 4-3-1-2 as he is a natural winger however he is young and can develop into a more central position. The only issue is that it seems unlikely for Milan to invest where there is little potential for reward in the short term.