The AC Milan Offside: All Posts by Darth PippoThe Home for AC Milan Tifosihttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46633/acmilanoffside-fave.png2016-09-02T11:00:07+02:00https://acmilan.theoffside.com/authors/darth-pippo/rss2016-09-02T11:00:07+02:002016-09-02T11:00:07+02:00Which Youngsters Can Break Through This Season?
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<img alt="18 year old Manuel Locatelli made his debut at the end of last season" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ab-k_6f1CcpfsLUAUO5rWgtEwMA=/0x285:2280x1805/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50450797/GettyImages-589414688.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>18 year old Manuel Locatelli made his debut at the end of last season | Marco Luzzani/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Having impressed during pre-season, can any of Milan's young players make an impact in the first team this season?</p> <p>Milan's lack of activity in the transfer market this summer has caused unrest amongst the club's fanbase. Despite Silvio Berlusconi <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/8/5/12385546/fininvest-announce-that-ac-milan-have-been-sold-to-a-chinese-consortium">agreeing a deal to sell the club</a> to a group of Chinese investors, Milanisti will have to wait for the deal to be finalised later this year before any of that money is invested in the team itself. Whilst this means that the Rossoneri go into this season with an underwhelming squad of players at their disposal, it does allow for the introduction of some new players via a different route.</p>
<p>As well as producing the likes of Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini and Demetrio Albertini, some of the greatest players ever to wear the Milan shirt, the last few years have seen an abundance of fresh talent come through Milan's reputable youth system. Last season proved to be a breakthrough year for both 19 year old right back Davide Calabria, as well as 17 year old <a href="http://After%20impressing%20during%20pre-season,%20can%20any%20of%20Milan's%20young%20players%20make%20an%20impact%20in%20the%20first%20team%20this%20season?">goalkeeping sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma</a> and this season could present similar opportunities for some of Milan's other promising youngsters.</p>
<p>Two players who impressed during pre-season were 18 year old central midfielder Niccolo Zanellato and 18 year old Regista Manuel Locatelli. Zanellato featured heavily during pre-season, making a particular impact in Milan's first summer friendly against Bourdeaux. The nimble youngster showcased a dynamism and determination in his play, as well as an impressive long shot. Zanellato is certainly capable of offering the kind of creative spark that more functional midfielders such as <span>Juraj Kucka</span> or <span>Andrea Poli</span> can't. The injury to <span>Andrea Bertolacci</span> at the weekend may well open up some opportunities for him in the near future.</p>
<p>Long regarded the jewel of Milan's academy, Locatelli has struggled more in his early first team appearances. The young playmaker made his debut at the end if last season in a 3-1 loss and unsurprisingly struggled to make an impact. His pre-season form has been more encouraging however. The Lecco native has fantastic technique with the ball at his feet as well as an excellent range of passing that allows him to dictate play from deep. He was the creative fulcrum of Milan's primavera side last year and whilst it will take him time to adapt to the rigours of senior level football, he looks set for a starring role in the not too distant future.</p>
<p>Prolific forward Patrick Cutrone, skillful attacking midfielder Mattia El Hilali and strong central defender Ivan De Santis are all primed to make the step up to the senior team in the near future. With all the holes in the first team squad at the minute, <span>Vincenzo Montella</span> could do a lot worse than give some of the players a go in the near future. There's certainly no excuse if the alternatives are flops like <span>Riccardo Montolivo</span> and Andrea Poli.</p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/9/2/12553752/which-of-milans-youngsters-can-break-through-this-seasonDarth Pippo2016-08-18T18:00:03+02:002016-08-18T18:00:03+02:00Milan Open Negotiations For Diawara
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<img alt="Diawara enjoyed a breakout season with Bologna last year" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5bB5PbmJEyOV9kT0qn96QHDsz9E=/7x30:1997x1357/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50420251/GettyImages-526937432.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Diawara enjoyed a breakout season with Bologna last year | Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Milan are in the hunt for midfield reinforcements and Diawara looks to be a prime target.</p> <p>Milan have reportedly made an offer for Bologna midfielder Amadou Diawara. The Rossoneri have been on the hunt for midfield reinforcements all summer and Guinean destroyer looks to be at the top of their list.</p>
<p>Diawara enjoyed a breakout season at Bologna last year under the stewardship of Milan legend Roberto Donadoni. The nineteen year old's skill in breaking up play and distributing the ball from deep was key to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/bologna" class="sbn-auto-link">Bologna's</a> survival in Serie A and is performances have led to interest from some very high profile admirers.</p>
<p>Milan are the latest club to express an interest in the midfield anchor man and are believed to have made an offer of around 4 million Euros to take the player on loan with an option to buy next summer. The snag in the deal is that Championship side Aston Villa have made an offer of 17 million Euros to buy the player immediately.</p>
<p>Whilst the player would almost definitely prefer to join Milan, Bologna will be looking to receive cash up front so as to fund their own summer business. Similarly, <a href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Napoli</a> and Roma are both interested in the player and could likely outbid Milan themselves at the minute as well.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/8/9/12405978/badelj-to-milan-unlikely">after missing out</a> on <a href="https://www.violanation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Fiorentina's</a> <span>Milan Badelj</span>, Diawara should be a priority for the club given the current state of the midfield. Regardless of where he goes, Diawara is desperate to leave Bologna after encountering friction with the club's hierarchy, meaning that Milan will have to improve their offer, or risk missing out altogether.</p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/8/18/12515356/milan-open-negotiations-for-diawaraDarth Pippo2016-08-09T19:24:40+02:002016-08-09T19:24:40+02:00Badelj To Milan Unlikely
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<img alt="Badelj performed superbly for Croatia at Euro 2016" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CEYs9YbB90W2t4Hx5rNBvVfT3Ak=/0x34:3447x2332/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50323665/GettyImages-543018492.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Badelj performed superbly for Croatia at Euro 2016 | Paul Gilham/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Despite heavy links to the Rossoneri, Fiorentina are keen to keen hold of the Croatian.</p> <p>Milan look unlikely to succeed in their attempts to sign Fiorentina midfielder Milan Badelj. Despite re-iterating his desire to leave the Tuscan club, the Croatian playmaker looks unlikely to depart Florence this summer after his agent stated that Fiorentina are unwilling to sell him. Milan have identified Badelj as a primary target in their attempts to revamp the midfield and the player himself is eager to re-unite with <span>Vincenzo Montella</span> after working under him at Fiorentina.</p>
<p>Badelj's contract with Fiorentina is set to expire in 2018 and the Croatian has no intention of renewing his contract.With only two years to go on his contract, Fiorentina will doubtless be keen to cash in on the player, rather than risk losing him for free in two year's time.</p>
<p>Milan will hope Fiorentina change their stance as Badelj would be a huge upgrade on the likes of <span>Riccardo Montolivo</span> at the base of Milan's midfield. Now that an agreement has been found for the sale of the club, Milan will have extra funds at their disposal and it seems likely that they can change <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina's</a> mind with a more generous offer.</p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/8/9/12405978/badelj-to-milan-unlikelyDarth Pippo2016-08-07T14:57:42+02:002016-08-07T14:57:42+02:00Milan Renew Attempts To Sign Cuadrado
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<img alt="Cuadrado playing for Chelsea at the ICC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3kOf6Mom8MUcWuA6laZ-j2lvCVU=/0x112:1944x1408/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50309835/GettyImages-585835780.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cuadrado playing for Chelsea at the ICC | Duane Burleson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With cash now firmly in hand, Milan are set to take another stab at signing Juan Cuadrado.</p> <p>Now that the takeover of the club <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/8/5/12385546/fininvest-announce-that-ac-milan-have-been-sold-to-a-chinese-consortium">has been completed</a>, Milan are rumoured to be receiving around 100 million Euros to invest in the playing squad. With that in mind, the Rossoneri are set to renew their attempts at signing Chelsea winger <span>Juan Cuadrado</span>.</p>
<p>The Colombian winger worked under <span>Vincenzo Montella</span> during his time at <a href="https://www.violanation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Fiorentina</a> and it is common knowledge that the manager would be keen to re-unite with the mercurial wide man. After a short and underwhelming stint with the Premier League side, Cuadrado spent last season on loan at <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Juventus</a> where he formed an important part of their title winning campaign.</p>
<p>Despite Antonio Conte's desire to make him an important part of the Chelsea side ahead of the new season, the Colombian seems keen on a return to Serie A with Milan looking the most likely destination. The player's price tag is rumoured to be around 30 million Euros, however it may prove a worthwhile investment if Milan can secure a return to European football next year.</p>
<p><span>Other options that Milan are considering include Real Madrid midfielder Isco and Manchester United </span><a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/30/12330666/januzaj-is-milans-latest-transfer-target">youngster Adnan Januzaj</a><span>, however Cuadrado looks to be a more realistic option for the Rossoneri at the present time.</span></p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/8/7/12392914/milan-renew-attempts-to-sign-cuadradoDarth Pippo2016-07-25T10:27:34+02:002016-07-25T10:27:34+02:00Milan Look To Arda Turan
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<img alt="Turan has struggled to fit in at Barcelona" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wuRdqfGZvT3frJHTu78rlCqwLJI=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50189079/GettyImages-541200774.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Turan has struggled to fit in at Barcelona | David Ramos/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Milan are reportedly set to make an approach for Barcelona winger Arda Turan.</p> <p>Reports have emerged naming Barcelona winger Arda Turan as a possible target for Milan. The Turk looks set to depart Spain this summer, having failed to settle in at the Catalan giants and Milan could be a possible destination for him.</p>
<p>Barcelona have made a number of first team signings this summer, bringing in the likes of <span>Lucas Digne</span>, Samuel Umtiti and Andre Gomes. However, given such expenditure, they need to shift some players on in order to balance the books and Turan looks set to be one of the first names out of the door.</p>
<p>The former Atletico Madrid man could be available for as little as 13 million Euros, although even that could be too much for Milan right now given <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/21/12224772/what-has-happened-to-a-c-milan">the situation regarding the takeover</a> of the club, as well as the sale of Carlos Bacca. Nonetheless, Milan are in need of some quality out wide and Turan would represent a clear upgrade on any of the Rossoneri's current options.</p>
<p><span>Juan Cuadrado</span> <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/21/12247452/cuadrado-linked-with-milan-move">has also been linked</a> and although the Colombian is most probably the better option, he would cost more than double the fee Barcelona want for Turan. However, Milan are likely to face competition from both rival Serie A clubs, as well as Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea in their pursuit of the Turk winger..</p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/ac-milan-transfers-rumours-news/2016/7/25/12265796/milan-look-to-arda-turanDarth Pippo2016-07-24T19:00:03+02:002016-07-24T19:00:03+02:00Carlos Bacca Could Be Headed To Napoli
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AH5bacrQg27vhapIog0FkJeBlI4=/0x0:2412x1608/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50185905/GettyImages-543093650.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After rejecting West Ham, a move to Napoli could be on the cards for Carlos Bacca.</p> <p>After weeks of speculating regarding his future, Carlos Bacca could at last be off to Napoli. The Colombian forward has been linked with a move away from Milan and is believed to have <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/ac-milan-transfers-rumours-news/2016/7/13/12170076/west-ham-talks-break-down-atletico-leading-striker-race">rejected advances </a>from Barclays Premier league side West Ham United in favour of a club playing in the Champions League this season.</p>
<p>In that respect, Napoli would certainly fit the bill and the two parties are reportedly already close to agreeing personal terms. Bacca had also been linked with moves to both Atletico Madrid <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/15/12197284/are-arsenal-looking-to-hijack-west-ham-s-negotiations-with-milan-for-bacca">and Arsenal</a>, however neither club have presented a formal offer to either Bacca or the Rossoneri, leaving the Partneopei as sole contenders for his signature.</p>
<p>Napoli are likely to be in need of a new striker as Gonzalo Higuain looks likely to join rivals Juventus some time during the coming week. Whilst Bacca is reportedly keen on moving to Naples, the Vesuviani will still have to pay Milan's asking price of 30 million Euros. That said, with the club set to receive 94 million Euros in exchange for Higuain, money is unlikely to be an issue in this deal.</p>
<p>As the Colombian doesn't appear to factor into Vincenzo Montella's plans, it's <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/15/12189144/milan-should-cash-in-on-bacca">best for both parties</a> that a deal be agreed as soon as possible and Milan can finally <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/20/12234884/milan-could-lose-out-on-musacchio">get on with their mercato.</a></p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/ac-milan-transfers-rumours-news/2016/7/24/12262978/carlos-bacca-could-be-headed-to-napoliDarth Pippo2016-07-20T17:00:07+02:002016-07-20T17:00:07+02:00Milan Could Lose Out On Musacchio
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<img alt="Milan could miss out on yet another target due to financial problems." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B-yVKg4stbyKaUs1fd2Q39rZbUs=/0x127:2406x1731/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50159797/GettyImages-466980122.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Milan could miss out on yet another target due to financial problems. | Denis Doyle/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Musacchio is ready to listen to offers from other clubs if Milan aren't able to complete a deal for him.</p> <p>Complications continue to arise at Milan as the club could miss out on the signing of Argentinian defender Mateo Musacchio. This has <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/9/12133002/milan-transfer-target-q-a-get-to-know-mateo-musacchio-with-villarreal">looked like a done deal</a> for some time now, however a lack of funds has left the Rossoneri unable to complete a transfer for the centre half.</p>
<p>The player is thought to be keen on a move to Milan, however he is reportedly willing to entertain offers from elsewhere if Milan are unable to stump up the required funds in order to complete the deal. This seems likely given that either the sale of the club <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/12/12149354/the-milan-sale-saga-is-a-nightmare-for-fans">must be completed</a>, or alternatively a player (most probably <span>Carlos Bacca</span>) <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/15/12189144/milan-should-cash-in-on-bacca">must be sold</a> in order for the club to so.</p>
<p>Whilst Milan have been linked with <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/19/12205304/milan-eyeing-deals-for-rugani-and-mustafi">other names</a> over the past couple of weeks, Musacchio is clearly the main focus of their efforts in the market and so losing him would be a big blow. The likes of Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the centre back and unlike Milan, would have no issues meeting Villarreal's demands.</p>
<p>This is turning into a bleak summer for the Rossoneri and things look likely to get worse before they start to get better. We can only hope for some clarity over the situation regarding the sale of the club and pray that there are still some players left to buy by the time the money finally becomes available.</p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/20/12234884/milan-could-lose-out-on-musacchioDarth Pippo2016-07-20T13:00:03+02:002016-07-20T13:00:03+02:00Ukraine Appoint Milan Legend As New Coach
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<img alt="Shevchenko went to Euro 2016 as assistant manager, but is now set for the top job" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xSYytlYc0QTPLx8ZsLACHfVTHCg=/0x141:1079x860/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50128323/GettyImages-543543756.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Shevchenko went to Euro 2016 as assistant manager, but is now set for the top job | Julian Finney/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The legendary striker is set to take over after a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign.</p> <p>Former <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">AC Milan</a> striker Andriy Shevchenko has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Ukraine national team. This move had been in the works for some time, however on Friday the Football Federation of Ukraine made it official, handing the legendary forward a two year deal.</p>
<p>Shevchenko went to Euro 2016 as assistant manager to Mykhaylo Fomenko, but is now set to take over as head coach following the country's poor showing at the competition. Expectations will be low after their group stage exit from Euro 2016, but given the former Ballon d'Or winner's standing in his home country it will be hoped that he can inspire them to future success.</p>
<p>It will be Shevchenko's first foray into management and we hope that it proves more successful than other Milan legends such as <span>Clarence Seedorf</span> and <span>Filippo Inzaghi</span> who endured hellish stints in charge of the Rossoneri. Thankfully, he's added some experience to his coaching staff with former Milan assistant coach <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/14/12184406/mauro-tassotti-leaves-milan-for-ukraine-role">Mauro Tassotti set to join him as assistant manager</a>, as well as analyst Andrea Maldera, so he should set off o the right foot.</p>
<p>His first task will be to guide Ukraine to qualification for the 2018 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fifa-womens-world-cup" class="sbn-auto-link">World Cup</a> (although they might feel better missing out on a trip to Russia). As a true Rossonero, we wish him the best of luck!</p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/20/12199320/ukraine-appoint-milan-legend-andriy-shevchenko-as-new-coachDarth Pippo2016-07-19T16:00:05+02:002016-07-19T16:00:05+02:00Milan Eyeing Deals For Rugani And Mustafi
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<img alt="Rugani only made 17 appearances for Juventus last season" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YvMSAP8FkPheinKr2WV4xpDhkc0=/0x75:1995x1405/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50133361/GettyImages-523900520.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rugani only made 17 appearances for Juventus last season | Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With the Musacchio deal on hold, Milan are reportedly looking at other options.</p> <p>Milan are reportedly pursuing deals for Valencia centre back <span>Shkodran Mustafi</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> centre back <span>Daniele Rugani</span>. Negotiations over Villarreal centre half Mateo Musacchio seem to have stalled for the time being, with Milan unable to stump up the 30 million Euros required to complete the deal until the takeover is completed. Because of this - they've turned their attention to other targets.</p>
<p>The first of these is German defender Shkodran Mustafi. Reports suggest that Valencia are eager to cash in on the central defender so that they can afford to keep star midfielder Andre Gomes, alerting Milan in the process. <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/ac-milan-transfers-rumours-news/2016/6/19/11955504/milans-biggest-needs-for-this-window">Mustafi has been linked with the Rossoneri in the past</a>, but now it looks as if a deal could be on the cards with the imposing defender reportedly available for only 20 million Euros. Other clubs are interested, so Milan will have to work quickly to secure the player's signature.</p>
<p>Milan are also pursuing a deal for 21 year old Italian Daniele Rugani. Following Juventus' acquisition of Medhi Benatia earlier this week, Milan are hoping that Rugani may have become available. Whilst Juventus have already rejected offers from multiple clubs for the Italy Under 21 international, Milan are reportedly set to meet with Juventus officials next week to discuss a deal for the player. Juventus remain unlikely to sell and despite the defender's familiarity with Italy under 21 teammate <span>Alessio Romagnoli</span>, a move for him remains unlikely.</p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/19/12205304/milan-eyeing-deals-for-rugani-and-mustafiDarth Pippo2016-07-13T13:00:03+02:002016-07-13T13:00:03+02:00Are Milan back in for Benatia?
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<img alt="Benatia looks certain to return to Italy after a two year spell with Bayern Munich" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W0z5Ug70nmrtYQODpFRktb_gguM=/0x67:2324x1616/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50098403/GettyImages-531504690.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Benatia looks certain to return to Italy after a two year spell with Bayern Munich | Matthias Hangst/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Despite heavy interest from Juventus, Milan are once again looking at Medhi Benatia to reinforce their back line.</p> <p>For some time now, Moroccan defender Medhi Benatia has looked certain to join <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Juventus</a> as a replacement for the departing Martin Caceres. However, Milan have emerged as a late contender for his signature, with the Rossoneri interested in acquiring an experienced centre half to partner Italy under 21 international <span>Alessio Romagnoli</span> at the back.</p>
<p>Reports suggest that Milan have yet to agree a fee with Bayern Munich, despite Juventus agreeing to a fee of around 20 million Euros with the Bundesliga club. It appears though that the will of the player may play a decisive role in what destination the centre back chooses.</p>
<p>Reports indicate that Benatia is open to the prospect of a starting role at Milan under <span>Vincenzo Montella</span> despite Juventus being able to offer Champions League football. After two years of playing second fiddle to Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez, Benatia appears to have placed playing time at the top of his list of priorities.</p>
<p>Whilst the Rossoneri are close to <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/9/12133002/milan-transfer-target-q-a-get-to-know-mateo-musacchio-with-villarreal" style="background-color: #ffffff;">signing Argentinian centre half Mateo Musacchio</a>, Benatia would be an equally excellent addition who would go a long way to reinforcing a sub-par back line. With Milan seemingly having <a href="http://acmilan.theoffside.com/2016/7/11/12147706/milan-lose-out-to-juventus-in-race-for-croatian-star" style="background-color: #ffffff;">lost out on Marko Pjaca</a> to the Bianconeri, Milanisti will be hopeful of beating them to Benatia instead and gaining a modicum of revenge over their hated rivals.</p>
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/ac-milan-transfers-rumours-news/2016/7/13/12167700/are-milan-back-in-for-medhi-benatiaDarth Pippo