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AC Milan need a win today against Lecce, but it seems that the focus could be elsewhere for some, with the mercato still open.
There is a need for Milan to focus on tonight’s game, but with the mercato closing soon, the Rossoneri need to continue to consider potential deals. Christopher Nkunku seems like he will not be the only arrival late on, with talks ongoing for Manuel Akanji.
It also seems like the Frenchman may not be the only forward to arrive in the final days. Recently, the idea of a swap with AS Roma, concerning Artem Dovbyk, has been considered, and it would see Santiago Gimenez leave the club.
However, Massimiliano Allegri has still chosen to play the striker in tonight’s fixture. Though, it could be his last game for the Rossoneri, despite joining only in January.
Gimenez may leave?
Ahead of the game, Igli Tare spoke to Sky about the final situations to solve, and the game, as MilanNews relays.
Nkunku has arrived, where does he fit in?
“The hardest thing, as always, is making the right choice. He’s always been on our radar, and we tried to complete the attacking lineup, especially after Rafa’s injury. We saw a lack of pace, which is why we considered making this move. Up until three or four days ago, it wasn’t possible because the costs were completely different. Then we took advantage of the situation he had with Chelsea, and we were able to close the deal.”
Is the attack complete? Can Dovbyk replace Gimenez?
“Numerically, as we stand now, I think so. However, we’re also evaluating the alternative of a swap deal with Gimenez: we’ll know if that’s feasible after the match. Keeping them together? It won’t be possible. Playing one game a week, we need to have the right squad: only in the event of a swap deal, otherwise we’ll stay as we are.”
Did you get a response from Akanji?
“Not yet, but this change in formation in the last few days has put us in a bit of difficulty: we need to be good in the last 72 hours to bring in an experienced player: Akanji has that and also has the quality to play for AC Milan.”
AC Milan’s defence: what’s the problem?
“We also analysed it carefully with Max three months ago, and now, looking at the two goals we conceded against Cremonese, we’re back to last year, where the goals we conceded were the result of carelessness and marking. That’s why we decided to make this change to the formation to give the team more confidence and security.”
How surprised were you by your debut?
“Shocked? Traumatized. A result like that. It’s been a nightmare week: we have to win because winning gives us peace of mind and confidence. We have to be good because AC Milan fans deserve a competitive team. The club has put us in a position to complete the squad: we have to be good and humble. Tonight we have to win at all costs.”
Is Musah staying?
“We’ll evaluate it after the match. We have an agreement with Atalanta, but Jashari’s injury has complicated the situation: the decision will be made tomorrow.”
The sporting director also spoke to DAZN, as MilanNews relays.
On the defeat against Cremonese…
“We’ve had a tough week, full of tension and anger. Today, we’ll have to be good at getting back to winning ways because it’s crucial to our path. If you look at Milan last year, we made similar mistakes against Cremonese. Today, it will be crucial to play a more focused game.”
On the market and on Nkunku…
“He’s a modern centre forward capable of playing in all attacking positions. He’s a strong player who can bring more pace and unpredictability to the team. We’ll definitely sign a central defender. Musah? We’ll decide between tomorrow and the day after for the good of the team and especially the boy.”
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