How should Milan spend their 50 Million?

Date: 2nd July 2011 at 9:00am
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League Champions AC Milan have a reported 50 Million Euros to play with this summer in the transfer market, and, as per usual in this, most uncertain of periods in the footballing calendar, the Rossoneri have been linked with every footballer around, from Christiano Ronaldo to Pele’.

But who should Il Diavolo spend their money on? With a star studded forward line, and newly reinforced defensive options, it is the midfield that is in the greatest need of financial aid, given the aching legs of  Massimo Ambrosini, Clarence Seedorf  requiring support in addition to the void left  by the departure of Andrea Pirlo.

Milan are in the market in the market for at least one midfielder, who is comfortable on the left, as well as being still linked to numerous trequartista’s.

Here are the options for Milan’s midfield mercato:

Marek Hamsik 

Club: Napoli

Age: 23

Cost: 40 million

The Slovakian is the fresh rumor hanging over Via Turati – the former Brescia player himself publicly declaring his love for the Rossoneri recently.  It will take a large bid from Galliani, almost all of the Milanese transfer kitty to prise him away from the Partonepei, but Hamsik is a player of proven talent at Serie A, and would be a welcome addition at Milan. Comfortable on the left side of midfield, as well as behind the strikers, Hamsik could be a quality addition for the Champions.

Aturo Vidal

Club: Bayern Leverkusen

Age: 24

Cost: 15-20  million

Strong, determined and an accomplished passer of the ball – Vidal is another name that has been linked with Milan, forming a successful midfield unit with Michael Ballack, which was partly responsible for Leverkusen’s 2nd place finish this year. Milan are reported to have already bif 10 Million Euros for the Chilean, but this was rejected by the German side, who will be looking for something in the region of 15 to 20 Million for him. He too is comfortable anywhere across the midfield line, but is a more defensive midfield player than a creative one – a definite option as a long term replacement for Ambrosini or Dutch destroyer Mark Van Bommel. As one of the cheaper options being bandied around by the papers, Vidal would be a sound addition to the Milan line up in their quest for continental superiority.

Ganso

Club: Santos

Age: 21

Cost: 25-30 Million

Type in Ganso’s name into Google and “move to AC Milan” is sure to follow. The Brazilian playmaker has been likened to Zinedine Zidane for his vision and comfort on the ball, and has voiced his desire to move to Italy, and more specifically – AC Milan. The Santos star is a fantastic prosepect for the future, and would cost Milan significantly less than Hamsik, but the non EU rule governing the transfer of players in Serie A is a sticking point, meaning Milan may have to wait until January to land the Selecao number 10.  If Ganso does arrive, then Milan would have a creative midfielder who could fill the void left behind by Kaka, and being left footed allows him to slot in the mezz’ala role that Milan are looking for.

Riccardo Montolivo

Club: Fiorentina

Age: 26

Cost: 10-15 Million

Touted as the natural heir to Andrea Pirlo, the former Atalanta man has declared his intention to leave La Viola at the end of this campaign, and has been linked to both Milan clubs in addition to the inevitable link to Juventus. “Monty” is a proven player of quality in Serie A, which would give him the advantage over a Ganso or Lamela. At 26, Riccardo is just prior to his peak and could be a cheap move considering his contractual situation. However, the question whether Montolivo could up his game at the Rossoneri and prove his talent on the European stage, but at worst, the Fiorentina captain could be a very useful utility player.

Erik Lamela

Club: River Plate

Age: 19

Cost: 7-12 Million

Another exciting prospect for the future, Lamela looks almost certain to leave after River Plate’s shock relegation this summer. With quick feet, a sharp mind and the ability to pick a deadly through ball – Lamela could be a great signing for the Rossoneri. However, after the arrival of El Shaarawy, it seems like Lamela will not be heading to the Rossoneri.

Kwadwo Asamoah

Club: Udinese

Age: 22

Cost: 15-20 Million

Another name that has been linked with Milan for some time now, Asamoah is the box to box, engine style player that fits the requirements set out by Galliani and surmised by Coach Masimilliano’s squad choices this year. Asamoah is quick, strong and committed as well as being comfortable offensively and defensively. The Ghaniain would be a fantastic addition to Il Diavolo, a partnership with fellow countryman Kevin Prince Boateng would be a sight to behold, the energy levels of both players would allow Milan to press sides with greater effect, something that has not been present on recent Milan sides.

It seems that Galliani will be looking for a left sided “box to box” creative midfielder who can defend as well as attack, and it appears that an Asamoah type purchase is more likely than a silky magician like Gabso, or even Samir Nasri. However, don’t be surprised if “Uncle Fester” nabs both, Berlusconi’s right hand man’s ability to procure quality players quickly and cheaply is legendary.

Who do you think Milan should spend their money on? Have your say by commenting below.

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2 responses to “How should Milan spend their 50 Million?”

  1. Rivaag says:

    Ganso is already keepin Kaka out and he had been injured! Surely,he’s a must.
    Nasri would also be an excellent season,played better than Fabregas!

  2. Pato says:

    Gango