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Multiple reports are linking AC Milan with Luka Modric for the third consecutive summer. Here’s a look at the rumour and why it is another cruel joke for Milan fans:
Intermediary Vlado Lemic, who represents Dejan Lovren (and other players) visited Casa Milan this morning to talk about the possibility of Lovren joining Milan. The meeting lasted about an hour. [https://t.co/q5laSGpmWO] pic.twitter.com/sczZQFlbhD
— TheMilanBible (@TheMilanBible) July 16, 2019
Di Marzio has linked Milan with Luka Modric once again earlier today and there are multiple reports claiming that Vlado Lemic’s meeting at Casa Milan today was regarding a move for the Madrid based midfielder. Modric is currently entering his 8th season with Los Blancos. Modric had a contract until the end of 2020 and it is unclear whether or not he has signed an extension this past season. The Croatian international will be turning 34 in December and is currently rumoured to earn about €12.5 million a year.
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Milan are currently in the market for another midfielder to add to Marco Giampaolo’s options for his 4-3-1-2. Above demonstrates a potential stacked line-up where the starting midfielders could be Lucas Paqueta as a trequartista, Modric as the regista and Franck Kessie and Ismael Bennacer as the mezzalas. The midfield would have good depth and would be a world class improvement for Milan. Modric would fit almost perfectly in Giampaolo’s system and his technical ability and defensive acumen would make him the ideal holding midfielder. The trouble is his age and wages as at best Modric is a temporary fix to try and boost Milan’s chances in the coming season or two and not much thereafter.
@DiMarzio: Boban wants Modric .. Real Madrid is ready to sell and with reasonable numbers .. It depends on the desire of the player .. Milan may offer him a 3-year contract with salary of 10 m .. The player will talk with his agent after the American tour ..
— ACMilanSwiss (@AcMilanSwiss) July 17, 2019
-Y pic.twitter.com/ykRoo5Z6tm
This rumour and this deal altogether seem highly unlikely. Apparently, Boban is really pushing for the deal as Madrid have been looking to offload players since the transfer blitz early on, however there are a number of issues that make this deal seem difficult. This would be a short sighted purchase for Milan as Modric would have no resale value and would cost a significant amount despite his age and the potential benefit for Milan would hinge on a incredible season with a Top 4 finish. Modric has little to gain from Milan given there is no European football next season, there is unlikely to be an increase in wages and there will be an adjustment needed in moving to Italy and Serie A. I believe this would be a good deal if Milan could buy Modric from Real Madrid for under 20 million and offer a wage of about 5 million for three years. Also, I would hope for Milan to include a release clause that will likely be triggered after his second season.