Milan were not surprised by Calhanoglu’s farewell, the signs on the contract renewal in recent weeks were negative. And if poor Eriksen hadn’t had the heart problem, Calhanoglu wouldn’t have had any offers, especially after a disastrous European. So at Casa Milan there is serenity and the plans have not changed because the farewell had been put in the budget. But those expecting the immediate arrival of a replacement will have to be patient a little because the club’s strategy leads to two solutions. Either an unexpected super opportunity arrives in the next few hours, or Milan will wait for the summer redundancies of the big players in Europe and will be ready. Players who are no longer central to their home clubs, where they now have a cost and in a few weeks could be loaned out due to increasingly crowded squads.
The European panorama offers different solutions in that area of the pitch, the skill lies in grasping the best choice. The confirmations come on several profiles that they like, such as Ziyech (currently a favorite), Ceballos, Sabitzer, James Rodriguez and several other elements that the company keeps an eye on. Of course, at the moment there are no real negotiations, but a satisfaction list that can become something more in a few days. Live contacts and phone calls are very frequent, but the thrust will likely come later when clubs need to start selling.
Milan’s line is appreciable, always consistent with the line on the containment of salary costs. First we read that the prosecutors blackmail the companies with crazy figures (see the 12 million to Gigio), then as soon as a club tries to tackle the problem it gets whistles from its fans. Mystery. But after losing Calhanoglu and Donnarumma on a free transfer, Franck Kessie would need an effort. In fact, the desire to retain a fundamental element has always come from the ownership, the renewal of the Ivorian has never been questioned. Part of the money saved from the signings of Donnarumma and Calhanoglu will be paid to the midfielder, author of an incredible season. The leader of the median undoubtedly deserves a salary adjustment. He currently receives 2.2 million, the Rossoneri in the last meeting with the agent had proposed almost 4 million while Franck asks for six. There is still to be treated but Milan absolutely want to lock up Kessie. We will not be surprised if the next move of the club was to renew the median, as a symbol and mediated response to the (perhaps excessive) criticism of the last few hours.
There could be a flashback in midfield. Bakayoko’s name is still strong in the corridors of Casa Milan, and the contractual situation with Chelsea makes the deal attractive. The Frenchman has only a one year contract and has never been part of the plans of the London company. In recent seasons he has always gone away on loan, twice in Italy between Milan and Naples, and he could do it again. The confirmation is that Bakayoko still likes Milan, who knows if a comeback may occur during the summer. He could be Kessie’s replacement in the Champions League return season. An invitation to the fans: calm and patience are needed, the transfer market closes in two months. Then it will be time to take stock.
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