CorSport: Top four then four top signings - Milan's mercato strategy if UCL is secured

AC Milan are close to determining whether they will reach their minimum season target: a top-four finish. The plan links Champions League qualification to a transfer-market push, with four top signings following the achievement of that goal. Management intends to recruit at least one starter-level player in each department: centre-back, wing-back, central midfield, and attack. Defensive targets include Mario Gila, alongside another option, with additional depth considered. At left wing-back, Davide Bartesaghi and Pervis Estupinan are viewed as not ready for Champions League football, so a new starter is sought. Midfield interest centers on Leon Goretzka, potentially alongside other arrivals due to expected departures. In attack, multiple exits are anticipated, including uncertainty around Rafael Leao and possible departures for players such as Santiago Gimenez and Christopher Nkunku, requiring a reliable centre-forward and additional numerical reinforcement.

"AC Milan are 90 minutes away from finding out if they will achieve their minimum target for the season, which is a top four finish. As Corriere dello Sport (via MilanPress) report this morning, the aim is a top four place and then four top signings. The Milan management will be very active on the transfer market in the event of a Champions League berth."

"The current plan is to make at least one starter-level signing in each department, namely at centre-back, wing-back, central midfield and in the attack. They will target two players for the defence and the favoured name remains Mario Gila. The operation will not be easy given the costs and competition, while they will ideally find someone to bolster the depth too."

"On the left, the duo of Davide Bartesaghi and Pervis Estupinan do not seem ready for the Champions League, so a new starter could arrive. In midfield, Leon Goretzka is being strongly targeted, but with multiple departures he might not be the only arrival."

"The Roman newspaper finally focuses on the attacking department, which is certainly the one where there will be the most farewells. Niclas Fullkrug will not be bought, Santiago Gimenez is on the market, Rafael Leao is a serious doubt and even Christopher Nkunku could leave for €30-35m. The club will certainly be looking for a centre-forward who can guarantee goals, but then - based on the exits - more could be needed to bolster the attack numerically."

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