As AC Milan transfer news ramps up after the arrival of new manager Max Allegri, one of the club’s priorities may soon be replacing their cornerstone in midfield, Tijjani Reijnders.
Tijjani Reijnders the Subject of Official Bid From Manchester City
A beacon of light amongst an otherwise dismal season for AC Milan, Tijjani Reijnders has more often than not given fans a rare reason to be optimistic.
His 14 goal involvements is reflective of his all-encompassing, all-action midfield flair, which of course has not gone unnoticed across the rest of Europe.
Manchester City have been pushing for Reijnders, who is viewed as the perfect antidote to remedy a discernible lack of drive and energy in midfield last season.
The Dutchman has this week been the subject of a formal approach from City, who have tabled an offer of €60 million. The opening bid has supposedly been rebuffed, but City intend to come back with an improved €70m bid.
Reijnders — who was named Serie A midfielder of the season — is widely expected to leave after AC Milan failed to qualify for Europe in any shape or form, and has been given guarantees that there is a clear pathway to the starting 11 at City.
Latest AC Milan Transfer News Sees Three-Man Shortlist to Replace Reijnders
The start of a summer of change has already been set in motion at AC Milan, who are eager to find a solution to a hugely underwhelming campaign.
It began by installing former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare, who has been integral to capturing one of the Serie A’s most decorated managers — Max Allegri — as the man to restore stability.
Although Allegri is banned for his first two games as Milan manager, he, along with the Milan board, arrive with the knowledge that replacing Reijnders is high on the offseason agenda.
According to Calciomercato, a three-man Serie A shortlist has been drawn up. Reports suggest Milan are keen to re-introduce an Italian core to the team, starting with a ‘regista’.
Samuele Ricci
Samuele Ricci has long been on Milan’s radar since earning his plaudits for helping Empoli clamber up from Serie B, and his reputation has only accelerated since making the switch to Torino.
Now a fully-fledged Italy international, Ricci is just as comfortable playing in front of the defence as he is breaking through opposition lines further forward.
His characteristics are closely aligned with Reijnders in the fact that there is very few weaknesses as a midfield player; he is comfortable in the tackle, highly technical, and remarkably strong when it comes to ball retention.
Dialogue between Milan and his agent has reportedly been ongoing for several months, although there is distance between the agreed price.
Torino are well aware of Ricci’s increasing stock, and as such, are holding out for an offer in excess of €35m.
🚨🔴⚫️ AC Milan keep working on deal to sign Samuele Ricci since January, he’s still one of the main targets.
No issues on personal terms as Ricci’s keen on the move, clubs again in contact with discussions underway for months. pic.twitter.com/VHLxQvtdoX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2025
Hans Nicolussi Caviglia
Milan’s preference for a more budget-friendly option means they are happy to explore elsewhere, and contact has been made with Venezia’s Hans Nicolussi Caviglia.
Max Allegri was key to Caviglia breaking out as a youngster at Juventus, handing him minutes as a teenager. Admiration for the now-24-year-old remains, having enjoyed stellar campaign as Venezia’s creative fulcrum.
He has spent the season on loan from Juventus, but the deal includes an obligation to buy on a permanent basis, for a fee of €3.5 million. Milan have made contact with the Lagunari in order to negotiate a different arrangement.
With Venezia relegated back down to the Serie B, he is looking for a route back to the top-flight, and Milan are keen to offer just that.
Nicolo Rovella
Nicolo Rovella, much like Caviglia, is a Juventus loanee but is on the cusp of being snapped up by Lazio, who he has represented the last two seasons, and who also have an obligation to buy.
Lazio reportedly declined an initial offer from Inter Milan, who proposed a swap deal involving Kristjan Asllani going the other way.
Competition for the 23-year-old is high, with Lazio also keen to keep him in the capital, but Milan have now thrown their hat in the ring.
He fits the billing as an elegant, Andrea Pirlo-esque regista, but he is also hard in the tackle and capable of playing as a ‘mezzala’ — a midfielder who plays on the wider pivot of a three.
Prying him away from Lazio may prove an arduous task, given he has publicly stated his burning desire to stay put.
“I’m in love. I have a truly special bond with Lazio…I want to stay here forever,” he said.
“I didn’t come here to explode and then go on to win silverware with other clubs. I’m flattered that the big clubs are looking for me, but I am already in a big club. I have a five-year contract and I’m happy here.”
