Hakan Calhanoglu left the Rossoneri club and chose to wear the black and blue stripes of the city rivals instead. Now, Milan managers are tasked with the duty of finding the best possible replacement for the Turk.
According to the news of Milannews.it, AC Milan follows quite a few names, even after signing attacking midfielder on a renewed loan deal for two seasons, Brahim Diaz who returns to Milanello with the number 10 jersey.
Paolo Maldini and his team of collaborators are testing the waters for each profile being monitored.
Among the eligible candidates there is Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea who did not enjoy much playing time with coach Thomas Tuchel.
In the shortlist, there is also Philippe Coutinho of Barcelona as well as Josip Ilicic from Serie A club Atalanta. Spanish giants Real Madrid also has a player in its ranks that pleases the eyes of Milan leaders: Isco. This is without forgetting Nikola Vlasic and Marcel Sabitzer who play for CSKA Moscow and RB Leipzig respectively.
The most feasible, from different points of view, is Atalanta's Ilicic, writes the same source. The cost of the card and the engagement would be rather low. The 33-year-old Slovenian has the advantage because he knows Serie A football well. But, one disadvantage is the age.
As for the other players mentioned, such as Isco, Coutinho, and Ziyech, the main problem is the big salaries of these attacking midfielders.
As for Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Pessina of Hellas Verona and Atalanta, respectively, seem to have faded from the club's plans for the mercato.
For his part, coach Stefano Pioli does not seem to be in a hurry, but he would like to have the full squad ready and available before the start of the season.
