At the recent press conference at Casa Milan, Igli Tare was clear:
"The starting point is that the midfield will be the department where we intervene the most. This is something we’ve analyzed with the coach regarding the profiles and characteristics that this team needs. The names you mentioned (Xhaka and Jashari) are alternatives — players of great value — but in the end, we need to make the right choice based on what we need. We believe it's important to raise the overall quality of play of this team.”
Massimiliano Allegri’s new Milan will begin with a completely rethought and revamped midfield.
As things stand, following the sale of Tijjani Reijnders and the return of several players from loan spells, the situation in the midfield is as follows:
Who is currently available in the squad list?
- Youssouf Fofana
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek
- Tommaso Pobega
- Warren Bondo
- Yunus Musah (set to leave)
- Ismael Bennacer (set to leave)
- Yacine Adli (set to leave)
Incoming signing:
- Luka Modrić
Regarding the three outgoing players, Tare stated that Musah’s attributes do not match what Allegri is looking for. At least two more additions are expected. Luka Modrić will play in the Club World Cup with Real Madrid and then sign a contract tying him to the Rossoneri for two seasons.
If the system used is a three-man midfield — which appears to be the current plan — two additional signings will be needed. Also, despite Tare’s high praise, Loftus-Cheek cannot be considered fully reliable due to the persistent physical issues that have plagued him for years.
Thus, in this early stage of the transfer window, the focus on at the club is primarily on midfield targets.
What are the ongoing negotiations according to latest updates?
Samuele Ricci (Torino – offer of €25 million including bonuses)
Ardon Jashari (Club Brugge – possible offer of €35 million including bonuses)
Javi Guerra (Valencia – offer of €20 million including bonuses)
Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen – talks ongoing. Milan ready to offer around €10 million including bonuses)
Samuele Ricci
This morning, Tare submitted Milan's first official offer to Torino for Ricci: around €22 million plus €3 million in bonuses. The deal is expected to be finalized soon. Milan have been following Ricci for months and had already laid the groundwork for a deal with Torino. Today marked the first real push. While waiting for the official confirmation, it appears the 2001-born Italian will be Allegri’s first reinforcement. He’s a dynamic defensive midfielder, a ball-winner unafraid of physical duels, and already boasts substantial Serie A experience. As Tare noted yesterday, he’s a player who can operate as a deep-lying midfielder.
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Ardon Jashari:
The least defensive of the three options, but also the most intriguing given his current development. He had no trouble adapting from Luzern to Club Brugge and made a good impression in the Champions League.
Born in 2002, he can play both in front of the defense and as a mezzala (box-to-box role). Versatile, physically resilient, with a great vertical mindset and solid personality. He still needs refinement in terms of timing and reducing the number of touches on the ball, but he's a player worth betting on — especially if he gets to train all year with Luka Modrić. Other European clubs are also interested in him. Brugge is looking to maximize the sale, asking for at least €35 million fixed. He’s expensive, but Milan plan to improve their latest offer.
Javi Guerra:
A holding midfielder with positional awareness and intelligence — classic Spanish school.
He combines excellent technique and smart decision-making with impressive physical presence. Last year, Simeone’s Atlético Madrid came very close to signing him. Milan’s current offer stands at €20 million including bonuses, while Valencia is asking for at least €25 million fixed. Even here, the sense is that if Milan chooses him, the deal can be closed successfully. Not extremely quick, but very tidy and composed in midfield.
Granit Xhaka:
The most ready-made of the four targets, and the one who provides the most guarantees.
After his Arsenal years, he dominated the Bundesliga with Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen. He experienced a remarkable technical, tactical, and mental transformation under the Spanish coach, who managed to unlock previously untapped potential. Left-footed, he’s also skilled on set pieces, including corners and free kicks.
A real warrior on the pitch — with Modrić on the left and Fofana on the right, he would form a high-level midfield trio with complementary traits. Both the player and his father are pushing for the move to the Rossoneri, but Bayer Leverkusen is reluctant to let him go. Tare’s goal is to secure him for under €10 million, which will require meticulous work and a great deal of diplomacy, as relayed via Milan News.
