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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:
Milan will meet with Sampdoria in the coming days to discuss Dennis Praet. The Rossoneri are confident they can satisfy Ferrero’s request of over €20m. (Gazzetta) pic.twitter.com/mZkqWct2EK
— Calcio Direct (@CalcioDirect) June 23, 2019
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.
AC Milan's initial approach approach for €20million rated Sassuolo midfielder Stefano Sensi has been rejected. They have allegedly proposed a two year loan offer with the option of purchase for €15million. Inter Milan have apparently entered the race. More details to follow. pic.twitter.com/JsJMtEskM3
— Milan Broadcasting Network - MBN (@MBN_ACMilan) June 19, 2019
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.
Milan have an offer ready for Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira. The player has given the green light for a move. Torreira is Giampaolo's primary choice, but it remains to be seen if Arsenal will let him go. [@DiMarzio] pic.twitter.com/6CYGWYMUdd
— TheMilanBible (@TheMilanBible) June 24, 2019
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 is the player Milan are going after in their meeting with Real Madrid, according to @Gazzetta_it. pic.twitter.com/L28QpTqSdn
— TheMilanBible (@TheMilanBible) June 20, 2019
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.
There are some rumors circling that Milan are interested in Isco, none from really credible source yet, but would Isco be a good fit for Milan during this rebuild under Giampaolo?
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) June 21, 2019
⚫️ pic.twitter.com/QytoR7P7uG
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.
Milan are considering to sign De Rossi. Massara tried to keep him at Roma [Di Marzio] pic.twitter.com/0fNhtAqUBg
— Milan Eye (@MilanEye) June 24, 2019
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.
According to @AntoVitiello
— TeamMilanAC (@TeamMilanAC) June 21, 2019
Milan does not want to put €25M requested by Fiorentina for Jordan Veretout. pic.twitter.com/lDenagSKom
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.
#Milan target €30m #Roma midfielder Lorenzo #Pellegrini https://t.co/C3CuDDwY1U pic.twitter.com/6gcCLbxx4w
— CalcioMercato (En) (@CmdotCom_En) June 17, 2019
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.
According to TMW
— TeamMilanAC (@TeamMilanAC) March 26, 2019
Sandro Tonali will cost around €30M Milan appreciates the player of Brescia
What do you think? pic.twitter.com/jfh6FnoPxI
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.
NEWS UPDATE ️ ️⚫
— Milan Broadcasting Network - MBN (@MBN_ACMilan) June 23, 2019
According to Goal Italia et al, it has now emerged that AC Milan would have shown serious interest in acquiring the services of young Italian-Brazilian playmaker, EMANUEL VIGNATO, from relegated side Chievo Verona.
The 19 yo should come at no more than €4m. pic.twitter.com/eJDQ4SovtR
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.
Poll
Who is Likeliest to Join Milan This Summer?
This poll is closed
-
19%
Praet
-
2%
Sensi
-
42%
Torreira
-
8%
Ceballos
-
5%
Isco
-
2%
de Rossi
-
6%
Veretout
-
0%
Pellegrini
-
7%
Tonali
-
3%
Vignato