Massimiliano Allegri’s priority at AC Milan is to fix the defence, one that made too many mistakes and conceded many avoidable goals to opponents last season.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report, Allegri has a clear idea of one of the main problems that Milan suffered in 2024-25 and intends to remedy it from the beginning of his second Rossoneri adventure. How? By working first on the market and then on the pitch.
Milan need full-backs, both on the right and on the left. Kyle Walker will not be redeemed, Emerson Royal is on the way out, Alessandro Florenzi’s deal is expiring and Theo Hernandez is expected to leave.
Then, a quality centre-back is also needed because Malick Thiaw is in the sights of Bayer Leverkusen and Fikayo Tomori is not certain of a stay either.
New full-backs
Playing only three competitions (Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana) but not in any European competitions means that Milan will not have to build an extra-large squad. Let’s say that they will be able to focus on a few signings, but targeted quality ones.
To replace Hernandez, the preferred option is Destiny Udogie, who Igli Tare also liked when he was at Lazio. Tottenham paid €25m for him and his value has certainly not diminished after this year’s victory in the Europa League.
In defence, the former Udinese player makes some mistakes but due to his age (22 years old), Italian nationality and growth prospects, he is considered a ‘safe’ investment. If Theo’s money were to arrive, things could accelerate.
Milan are still looking around and has also asked for information from Junior Firpo’s entourage, whose contract with Leeds United is expiring. Lyon are also interested in him too. Maxim De Cuyper is on the radar too.
Allegri’s dream? Andrea Cambiaso from Juventus, who can be used on both flanks, but he is an unattainable player for Milan after Manchester City’s winter courtship.
Centre-back targets
For the heart of the defence, both Tare and Allegri highly rate Mario Gila, the Spaniard at Lazio who the Albanian sports director brought to the capital. Convincing Lotito is not going to be easy.
Also on the Rossoneri’s notebook is Jaka Bijol, the Udinese defender who can be useful especially when using the three-man line. Luiz Felipe, another of Tare’s obsessions, has found little space at Marseille since January and if called he would answer.
Then there is the rising Fiorentina star Pietro Comuzzo, another Italian that would be useful in forming an Azzurri group at Milanello. He has a high valuation and La Viola wants to hold on to him.