AC Milan Club Focus: Sixteen contracts up, who stays and who goes?
Alberto Aquilani, Sulley Muntari, Maxi Lopez and Mathieu Flamini also figure in this list of sixteen. Aquilani is edging ever so close to the twenty-five appearances figure, which puts Milan in an obligatory position to purchase him from Liverpool Football Club. A silky footballer with finesse at his feet, Aquilani can add the much needed depth to this squad (provided he stays fit).
Muntari is a solid box-to-box midfielder, adding grit and steel to the midfield. The experiment undertaken by Galliani in January appears to be offering dividends with the passing of every game. He fits into Max Allegri’s system seamlessly. The Ghanaian could become another depth addition, capable of making a strong appeal for a first-team spot on a more permanent basis, given his skill-set and his attributes.
Lopez is set to continue on his travels, it seems. The Argentine has failed to convince Allegri and is quickly running out of time. He carries a price tag of €7 million, an amount Milan are unlikely to part with, and rightly so. I think those millions can be put to better use.
Gattuso is one of the golden oldies awaiting a renewal. The old terrier still has some fight left in his aging bones and the leadership he naturally offers this team is invaluable. Signing him for a year, especially when he is willing to play for free, will do Milan no harm.
Adding to the illustrious names in midfield is that of Mark van Bommel. Few expected him to cement a place in the first-team, but he did. In his absence, Milan are perennially vulnerable, especially on the counter. He may lack the legs, but his in-game intelligence is second to none for an anchor man.
Galliani’s scouts are unlikely to find a suitable alternative to the Dutchman within the next four months, unless the Berlusconi family willing risks a family row over an expensive signature. Offering the hard-man another year will quite literally buy Milan some time.
Finally, the metronome, Alessandro Nesta. For an injury plagued star, Nesta remained fit for large chunks of this season. In his absence, Philippe Mexes capably filled in. With growing rumours of Davide Astori’s arrival in June, Nesta’s future remains uncertain. Signing the veteran on a year-long contract prevents the occurrence of a gaping hole in the heart of defense. Along with slowing the pace of the natural evolution of Milan’s centre-back partnership, Nesta could take Astori under his wing, offering the young defender the much needed tutelage.
Galliani’s task is cut out for him. This transfer window can shape Milan’s future for the next three-five years. The old guard will give way to be replaced by some fresh blood. Milan’s core is being rebuilt. Care and caution must be exercised due to the precarious situation Milan find themselves in. Consequential times, these.
Follow Rajath Kumar on Twitter: @rajathkumar and be sure to check out his AC Milan blog as well.
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