Milan kicks off its transfer window with a bang, having found its new number 9. But how will the attack change?
On the day that Calvelli was announced as the club's new CEO, the Rossoneri sent out a strong statement by sealing the signing of Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain in a record-breaking deal which, including fixed fees and bonuses, could exceed €70 million. The transfer was orchestrated by the influential agent Jorge Mendes, who represents the former Benfica striker.
The first move by Gerry Cardinale and the club's new technical committee responsible for shaping the transfer strategy is a major one. It immediately satisfies one of new head coach Ruben Amorim's key requests: a recognised centre-forward. Numerically, Ramos replaces Niclas Füllkrug, who was not signed permanently following his loan spell from West Ham, and he could bring a new dimension to Milan's attacking department.
Milan under Amorim: how will they play?
From a tactical perspective, there will first and foremost be a significant shift compared with Massimiliano Allegri's tenure. The back three remains (a hallmark of Amorim's football as well) but the formation changes from a 3-5-2 to either a 3-4-2-1 or a 3-4-3.
There will therefore be no strike partnership playing side by side. Instead, great importance will be placed on the attacking midfielders or wide forwards supporting the lone striker, who, in Amorim's vision, is a natural number 9 rather than an adapted player, as Rafael Leão was, for example, last season.
The Leão dilemma
Rafael Leão's future remains one of the hottest topics at Milan. Comments he made in recent weeks left very little doubt about his intentions, as he spoke about having achieved his objectives with the Rossoneri and his desire to experience a new challenge.
The arrival of Ruben Amorim seemed to open a small window for reconciliation, at least judging by Leão's own comments after scoring against Uzbekistan:
"Right now I have to stay focused on the World Cup. What I know about this coach is that he's very good. He did well in Portugal, things didn't go as he wanted at United, but he's still a great coach. I'll decide my future after the World Cup."
For now, however, his future still appears more likely to be away from Milan than at the club. The situation should become much clearer in the coming weeks, particularly after the World Cup, when the realistic options will emerge. Leão's preferred destination is the Premier League.
Pulisic must be tied down
The situation is different for Christian Pulisic, who is central both to Amorim's plans and to the American ownership's long-term project. In the Portuguese coach's system, the American is expected to be a key figure playing behind the centre-forward, moving back to the left side where he feels most comfortable.
However, Milan still have to resolve his contract renewal. The club has, for now, fended off interest from New York City FC in MLS, but with his current deal expiring in 2027, action is needed quickly. The former Chelsea player is seeking a significant pay rise that would bring him in line with Leão's salary of €7 million per season, including bonuses.
Nkunku's revival
Pulisic is one option, but who could occupy the other attacking role behind Ramos? In Amorim's plans, that player could be Christopher Nkunku, who joined from Chelsea last summer for €37 million plus bonuses but endured an inconsistent campaign, finishing with seven goals in 32 appearances, as well as one goal in the Coppa Italia, as pointed out via Calcio Mercato.
The Portuguese manager is considering a powerful attacking trio featuring the American and the Frenchman behind the centre-forward. Such a system would offer Nkunku the opportunity to revive his career and return to the high standards he consistently displayed, particularly during his time at RB Leipzig.
