Today, La Repubblica takes an in-depth look at AC Milan's strategy in the summer transfer market, with a particular focus on the need for reinforcements at centre-back. AC Milan are reportedly on the verge of talks with FC Torino to explore the possibility of bringing in their captain Alessandro Buangiono. Buanggiono is a favourite player who not only strengthens the 'Little Italy' element of AC Milan's squad, but also occupies an important place on UEFA's entry list. His youth, proven potential in Serie A and great potential fit perfectly with AC Milan's recruitment philosophy. Although it was valued at a whopping €35 million, the deal fell through due to Buangion's own desire to stay in Turin, considering that Turin's president, Urbano Cairo, had agreed to sell it to Atalanta last summer. Now, according to the online edition of La Repubblica, AC Milan intend to finalise the transfer as soon as possible before Euro 2024 to avoid the risk of rising market prices or increased competition.
Meanwhile, AC Milan are gearing up for a tough battle in the transfer market with their local rivals Inter Milan. Inter Milan have also targeted a number of signings, including Buangiano.
The transfer market focal points Buanggiono and Hermoso have caused a double battle between AC Milan and Inter Milan. The Rossoneri have made it clear that the defensive side will be an important part of the summer reinforcements. In addition to Buangiono, his performances in Turin have even caught the attention of national team manager Luciano Spalletti, and Inter Milan have also shown keen interest in him, as his ability to maneuver in a back three system fits Marotta's need to strengthen the defence next season.
In addition, another target, Mario Hermoso, has also been a target for the two Milan clubs. The Atletico Madrid player, who can play at centre-back and left-back, has a contract that expires in June and will not be renewed, meaning he is expected to join his new club on a free transfer, a condition that certainly adds to his appeal and portends a fierce rivalry between the Milan duo.
As for the attacking end, AC Milan are still prioritising the acquisition of Joshua Zirkze from Bayern Munich, who is valued at around €50 million. Meanwhile, Victor Jokres has a €100 million release clause for Sporting, but the club may be willing to accept a release for just under the release price. Premier League giants Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have already expressed interest in Jokreis, and if successful, he could return to the familiar English scene. The 25-year-old Swedish striker Goujkijerrez has also been one of the targets of AC Milan's attention since his move from Coventry last summer.
Benjamin Sesko, the Slovenian striker continues to attract the world's attention with his performances. After moving to RB Leipzig, Sesko quickly proved his worth, scoring 13 goals this season alone, nine of which were in the Bundesliga. The young talent, who moved to Germany from RB Salzburg for €24 million last summer, signed a long-term contract with RB Leipzig until 30 June 2028. However, Sesko, who has emerged on the Bundesliga stage for the first time, has attracted the strong attention of many top European clubs with his excellent skills and efficient performance, including Serie A powerhouse AC Milan, many giants have focused on this potential striker, and have listed him as the focus of the next transfer market.
On the other hand, Canadian international Jonathan David, who has been linked with Napoli, AC Milan and Chelsea and other big clubs, although there is constant speculation about his transfer this summer, he himself clarified in a recent interview with French media "lavoixdunord" that he has not considered too much about summer transfers, and has not completely ruled out the possibility of leaving Lille at the end of this season. With Napoli likely to sell leading goalscorer Osimhen in the summer transfer window, David is an ideal choice for Napoli and even AC Milan and Chelsea to find a replacement.
David has honestly revealed that his current contract runs until June 2025, and as for his future, he says that while there have been many transfer rumours before, his focus now is on continuing to play for Lille until he actually signs with another club. He also mentioned that he is not aware of any transfer talks between the club and his agent, but made it clear that he will sit down and discuss these issues seriously after the end of the season, as the most important task at the moment is to focus on the remaining key games and performances on the pitch.
It is worth noting that last week, David's agent, Nikos Mavromas, appeared at Milan City, but this was not confirmed by the Italian side, with sources saying that he did not have an official meeting with any Serie A club, including AC Milan. David has made 40 appearances and scored 23 goals in all competitions this season, a statistic that has undoubtedly further strengthened his status as a favourite in the transfer market.