According to Gianluca Di Marzio, AC Milan have reached an agreement with Atalanta attacking midfielder Josip Ilicic. Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini announced last week that Ilicic was searching for a “new adventure,” and Milan came swooping in. Milan have yet to reach an agreement with their fellow Serie A club, but clearly their motive is to do just that after agreeing with the player himself.
AC Milan Reach Agreement With Josip Ilicic
The Need for an Attacking Midfielder
As of now, Milan’s depth at attacking midfielder is Brahim Diaz and Daniel Maldini. Diaz broke out towards the tail-end of last season. With that being said, he remains better suited as an impact substitute. Maldini, the son of Milan legend Paolo Maldini, is still young and inexperienced. Although he’s likely to remain in the squad, it’s too early for major minutes on the pitch for the young midfielder.
Ilicic will fill Hakan Calhanoglu’s void. Calhanoglu, who left for Inter Milan, was solid throughout his Milan career but slightly inconsistent. Ilicic brings a bundle of Serie A experience along with him, as well as Champions League experience with Atalanta recently. The 33-year-old Slovenian is very experienced in both club and international play.
The Quality of Josip Ilicic
Last season was a decent year for Ilicic, as he scored six goals and provided ten assists in 28 league matches. The season prior, he scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 26 matches. In seven Champions League games in 2019/20, Ilicic scored five goals and provided an assist.
His numbers have always been solid and he’s been a protagonist in Atalanta’s mind-blowing attack. He’s creative and calm on the ball – exactly what Milan need.
Lastly, Milan have quite a young squad. Leaders Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Simon Kjaer will love having more veterans such as Olivier Giroud and possibly Ilicic around. The young players will certainly learn plenty as well.
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