Two positions and a big constraint: Milan's strategy for the final week of the mercato

"We are almost at the end of the winter transfer window already, and things have gone quiet on the incoming front for AC Milan. Milan began their mercato before anyone else, with the arrival of Niclas Füllkrug in Italy even before Christmas, before it was made official on the first day of the window and he then made his debut later that day in Cagliari."

"As MilanNews recall, in the pre-match press conference for Roma vs. Milan, Massimiliano Allegri responded to yet another question about the mercato as follows: "Either we improve the squad or we stay the same." Reading between the lines, it feels like he is saying that players will only arrive that are useful to the cause firstly, and available on the right terms secondly. In this sense, the central defensive department is the one to watch."

"Then, there is the wing-back role. At the moment, Alexis Saelemaekers' back-up is Zachary Athekame, who most recently struggled vs Roma. when he played the entire second half. On the left, Davide Bartesaghi has overtaken Pervis Estupinan in the pecking order, the disappointing summer signing. The quality of the reserves needs to be improved, especially on the right, where Saelemaekers is used so much and is exposed to more exhausted and lacklustre games, as was the case on Sunday evening against the Giallorossi."

AC Milan completed the early signing of Niclas Füllkrug, who arrived before Christmas and debuted on the first day of the winter window at Cagliari. No other incoming signings have followed as the window approaches its February 2 closing deadline. Massimiliano Allegri stated, "Either we improve the squad or we stay the same," indicating additions must be both useful and available on the right terms. Central defence is a priority for an experienced fifth centre-back to complement Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic, Fikayo Tomori and Koni De Winter. Wing-back depth also requires improvement, particularly right-side cover behind Alexis Saelemaekers; Zachary Athekame recently struggled, while Davide Bartesaghi has moved ahead of Pervis Estupinan on the left.

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