As we approach the opening of the summer transfer window for Serie A clubs on July 1, Milan is actively considering potential additions to their squad for the upcoming 2023/24 season. One prominent transfer story making headlines is Sandro Tonali's anticipated move to Newcastle United in the Premier League, which could potentially set off a chain reaction in the European transfer market. Moreover, the recent dismissal of technical director Paolo Maldini has resulted in several changes within Milan.
The sale of Tonali is expected to generate a substantial amount of money for Milan, presenting them with a significant opportunity this summer. Their objective is not only to find a replacement for the 23-year-old midfielder but also to strengthen other areas of the team. Rossoneri fans will hope for a better season, and will bet on club management to shake up things to compete with Europe’s best. The club failed to defend the Serie A title, but you can take advantage of sportsbook promos to bet on all available markets, including players likely to join, and the favorites for the 2023/24 Serie A season. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain how much of the funds will be allocated for new signings. Below, we will explore the top five transfer targets Milan is considering for the summer of 2023.
Lois Openda - Lens
Milan is in dire need of a new center-forward following the retirement of their legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Initially, there was interest in Marcus Thuram, but the Frenchman has opted to join Inter instead, which is undoubtedly a disappointing blow for Milan. Moreover, they also explored the possibility of signing Romelu Lukaku, but the Belgian striker has expressed a preference for returning to their rivals, Inter.
Milan is in dire need of a new center-forward following the retirement of their legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Initially, there was interest in Marcus Thuram, but the Frenchman has opted to join Inter instead, which is undoubtedly a disappointing blow for Milan. Moreover, they also explored the possibility of signing Romelu Lukaku, but the Belgian striker has expressed a preference for returning to their rivals, Inter.
Another potential option for Milan is Lois Openda, who currently plays for Lens. Openda had an impressive season in Ligue 1, scoring 21 goals. Acquiring the 23-year-old forward could provide much-needed firepower to the Rossoneri's offense, which currently relies on an aging Olivier Giroud and a struggling Divock Origi. However, the rumored high price tag associated with Openda might make it unlikely for Milan to invest a significant portion of their budget on a forward, especially considering their primary focus is to find a replacement for Tonali.
Thomas Meunier - Dortmund
Several Serie A clubs, including Milan, Inter, and Napoli, are reportedly in a battle to secure the services of Thomas Meunier, the Dortmund defender. According to sources, Aston Villa from the Premier League is also interested in the 31-year-old Belgian. Meunier's contract is set to expire next summer, making it potentially easier for clubs to attract him away from Signal Iduna Park. This is especially true considering his limited playing time, featuring in just ten Bundesliga matches last season. At this stage, it seems unlikely that Milan would pursue Meunier, given the presence of Davide Calabria and Alessandro Florenzi in the team. The current frontrunners for Meunier's signature appear to be the Premier League club.
Florentino Luis - Benfica
Florentino Luis from Benfica is also attracting Milan's interest, and a potential deal worth €30 million could be sufficient to secure his transfer. The Portuguese midfielder would bring defensive stability to Milan's midfield and offer a different set of qualities compared to Tonali. However, Milan is seeking more than one addition in the midfield department due to Ismael Bennacer's injury towards the end of the previous season.
Although there is a primary focus on Fenerbahce's Arda Guler at the moment, Florentino Luis remains a target for Milan. With the expected €80 million influx from Tonali's sale, there should be ample funds remaining in Milan's transfer budget to acquire both midfielders.
Davide Frattesi - Sassuolo
Inter is currently leading the race to sign Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi, but Milan is also interested. The funds from Tonali's sale could give Milan an advantage, but they have yet to contact Sassuolo, unlike Juventus, Inter, and Roma. The potential sale of Marcelo Brozovic by Inter could affect their pursuit of Frattesi. Milan is also targeting Fenerbahce's Arda Guler, facing competition from Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund. Milan reportedly made a higher bid than Guler's release clause to secure his signature.
Samuel Chukwueze - Villareal
AC Milan are reportedly targeting the Nigerian winger of Villareal. The player is willing to accept a move to the San Siro. However, the Rossoneri management must first strike an agreement with the Spanish club who are difficult to negotiate with. Sources claim that a fee between 25 to 30 million euros would be needed to land the player. Milan, for their part, are not willing to put that amount on the table and they are, instead, trying to lower the fee. Attention must be paid, however, to some moves from England as some Premier League clubs are also keen on him.
