By Jasmit Jabbal
With the transfer window in full swing, and three new arrivals safely in the bag (Mexes, El Shaarawy, and Taiwo), who should the Rossoneri sign to make them Champions League challengers again.
A successful debut campaign for Allegri saw him bring home the Scudetto to the red and black side of Milan after a six year wait. Serial Seria A winner Ibrahimovic may be the cause of this success, but credit must go to Galliani’s work in the transfer market, and of course to Berlusconi for digging deep to fund the arrivals of Robiniho, Boateng, and of course Ibrahimovic and co.
Now that Inters strangle hold on Seria A has been loosened, Galliani must work wonders again if the world’s most decorated club side want to be one of Europe’s elite again. With Juventus, Roma and Inter poised to make spend big, and the emergence of Napoli as title challengers, this could be a significant transfer window for the Rossoneri.
Considering that many clubs feel this is the last opportunity to spend big before Platini’s financial fair play rules come into force, I consider below the players I have identified for Milan to target. These are players I feel are realistic targets, who will help Milan build a team for the future as the tireless legs of Inzaghi, Gattuso and Seedorf have finally played their part.
Defense
Having already made two shrewd captures in the free signings of Mexes (Roma) and Taiwo (Marseille), it is clear that is an area already identified by the Milan hierarchy. Taiwo will provide energy and an attacking threat on the left flank, and Mexes will finally give Milan quality cover for the legendary Nesta and ever improving Thiago Silva. However, they could still do with a quality right back to add depth to the squad. A player, who will be within their financial reach, who will not only provide cover at right back, but across midfield would be Arsenal’s Eboue. With the Gunners key to overhaul their underachieving squad, Eboue may be available for around €7 million and will bring technical quality, pace, versatility and Champions League experience.
Midfield
With the creative talents of Pirlo now in Turin with Juventus, Seedorf and Gattuso on their last legs and club captain at ripe age of 33, Milan need to pay attention to huge impact the youthful exuberance of Boateng made to the side as they moon walked to the title. In Boateng and Flamini, Milan has two tireless midfielders, who make up in endeavor what they lack in technical ability. However, a creative spark is needed in midfield; especially if they wish unlock defenses on the continent. The much mooted transfer of Ganso will add technical ability, and much need creativity to provide for the attacking powers of Robinho, Ibrahimovic, Pato and Cassano. However, with his inexperience at this level and recent injuries, a big money move on Ganso, although a viable long term solution, would need to be supplemented with another deep lying midfielder. If the Milan board is happy to dig a bit deep, the addition of Banega would fill the Pirlo sized void in the midfield. With Valencia in financial difficulties, they may be able to get Banega for around €15 million, which considering his immense quality, could turn out to be a bargain.
Attack
Milan are currently blessed with an array of attacking options, however as Allegri prefers to play with 3 up top, another quality addition would be needed to provide depth, as Inzaghi, approaching his last season with the club, cannot be expected to continue his remarkable Champions League exploits. Having missed out on Ruud Van Nisterooy on a free, Milan could do a lot worse then take Anelka off Chelsea’s hands. The much travelled French man has proven he can occupy any one of the free attacking positions in a 4-3-3, and his quality in front of goal is unquestioned. With Chelsea intent on freeing up space to sign Falcao, Anelka, with one year remaining on his contract, could come on the cheap.
All in all, this will undoubtedly be the most exciting transfer windows for all clubs concerned as the financial fair play rules loom. If Milan get this right, they could help return Italian football to the top of the table.
