Less than a month ago, it seemed as if Ralf Rangnick was going to take over the reins at AC Milan. That likely would’ve resulted in a transfer window targeting primarily Bundesliga players to join the Rossoneri. A terrific run of form in the league’s restart, however, convinced the club to move forward with manager Stefano Pioli. With that being the case, expect domestic Serie A targets for Milan in the upcoming transfer window.
Three Serie A Targets for AC Milan
Sandro Tonali
Brescia were relegated to Serie B, meaning they are likely to lose their golden boy in Sandro Tonali.
Pioli shifted his midfield to a two-man unit consisting of Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie. They are spectacular together, but Milan needs more options if they are serious about Champions League qualification.
La Gazzetta dello Sport mentions Tonali in Pioli’s midfield shortlist. The Italian youngster has been touted as the next Andrea Pirlo. These comparisons are not premature. Tonali will be a hot commodity in Serie A’s transfer window.
He’s a deep-lying playmaker and does not shy away from being physical. Considering the average age of Milan’s squad, Tonali would fit in well for the present and future. He will make it easy to switch formations if needed, and the club would no longer have to worry about thin midfield depth.
Gaetano Castrovilli
Fiorentina experienced somewhat of a disappointing season for their standards, finishing 10th in the league. With no European football next season, expect some of the club’s gems to depart.
Gaetano Castrovilli is one of them. Castrovilli is a good fall-back option for the Rossoneri if they fail in an attempt for Tonali. He too is also a mifielder and likely wouldn’t expect an immediate starting role.
Caliciomeracto.it reports that Milan indeed has an interest in La Viola‘s youngster. This comes as no surprise. Castrovilli is seen as in ideal rotation player who can certainly develop into a starter. That is mostly a result of his versatility. He’s a central midfielder, but can also play in advanced attacking roles, such as on the wing. It’s no shock that Milan are looking to bring in more creativity and flair.
In addition to that, Castrovilli is open about his love for the red and black. For example, after scoring versus the Rossoneri this season, he said that he supported the club as a child. Despite Fiorentina’s new owners and ambitions, Castrovilli is an ideal purchase if Milan is hunting Serie A targets.
Domenico Berardi
While midfield depth must be addressed, Milan must also look at their attack.
Hakan Calhanoglu and Ante Rebic are fantastic on their day and will remain starters. On the other hand, Alexis Saelemaekers cannot continue as a starter. This leaves an opening for another winger, and Domenico Berardi fits the bill. The Italian has long been rumoured to be on the move from Sassuolo, but nothing ever materialized. With that being said, players now need to make a case for a spot on the Italian national team with major competitions on the horizon.
Berardi would add just another threat to Milan’s potent attack. This season alone he netted 14 goals and provided 10 assists. In spite of Milan’s form to end the season, those numbers would put him at the top of Milan’s statistical charts.
He’s been a mainstay in Sassuolo’s line-up for years. He’s still just 26 and in the prime of his career. Not being the focal point of the attack will also open up more opportunities for Berardi. Having creators like Calhanoglu and possibly Zlatan Ibrahimovic can produce the best season of the Italian’s career. He’s also likely to be an affordable option in Milan’s Serie A targets, and the interest should be there.
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