Edit Content
The latest Italian football news, transfers and more
Edit Content
Javi Guerra
/

AC Milan to Return With Fresh Bid For Valencia’s Javi Guerra as Granit Xhaka Pursuit Fades

Start

AC Milan are expected to return for Valencia’s Javi Guerra, despite having several approaches rebuffed already, while their interest in Granit Xhaka dwindles.

AC Milan Expected to Give Up on Granit Xhaka Interest

New sporting director Igli Tare recently expressed AC Milan’s need for new leaders, amid an aggressive rebuild this summer.

Milan could surpass $200 million in transfer income in this window alone, as key players depart with the absence of European soccer being felt.

Milan have already made great strides to establish a fresh leadership core, with Real Madrid veteran Luka Modric expect to arrive following the Club World Cup.

The Rossoneri’s transfer strategy in recent years has been underlined by building for the future, with younger names arriving in the hope of propelling Milan forward into a new era.

Modric’s availability, despite being at the twilight of his career, appeared to be a market opportunity too tantalising to pass up, particularly with the likes of leadership figures Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez departing.

Another name who had been strongly rumored to be on Milan’s radar, and who also goes against their recent youthful policy, is Granit Xhaka.

The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has enjoyed a late renaissance in his career in a slightly more advanced role, and has long been linked with a move to Milan before arriving in Germany.

He too fits the billing for bringing leadership qualities and a wealth of experience to a relatively young squad, but it appears Milan are happy to settle on Modric as the old guard, and continue their search for younger options.

23-year-old Samuele Ricci is expected to complete a $30 million transfer from Torino to join Modric in midfield. Reinforcements in that position will be needed, particularly if USA star Yunus Musah — who has been linked with West Ham — completes an anticipated move elsewhere.

Javi Guerra Transfer News

AC Milan’s new-look midfield is far from complete, and with interest in Xhaka now fading, they are preparing to return for Valencia’s Javi Guerra.

They have already tested their resolve with a $20 million proposal earlier in the window, although Valencia are expected to demand at least $30 million given the 22-year-old has two years left on his contract.

Although the Spain U21 international recently downplayed talk of his future, saying he wants to do”important things” at Valencia, Milan are confident that they will be able to persuade him with their new project.

Reports in Italy suggest they will return with an improved bid and a larger bonus package for Guerra, in the hopes of luring him to the San Siro.

Offshore sportsbooks continue to boost their estimations for AC Milan next season as Max Allegri continues to shape his squad in his vision.

Charlie Rhodes

Charlie has built a deep portfolio across a wealth of sports websites, with a heavy focus on Europe's top five leagues. He has a long-standing interest in Serie A having grown up watching Football Italia on Channel 4 as a child. With extensive experience tailored towards news, long-form content and heavily researched features, Charlie has also garnered experience in several roles in the fintech and marketing sector.