Andy Robertson is at the centre of Serie A news coming out of Milan this week, with Max Allegri desperate to reinforce his defense, as AC Milan begin preseason with just two available full-backs.
AC Milan Begin Preseason With Worrying Lack of Full-Backs
AC Milan’s transfer business so far this summer has been underlined by a slew of sales, which could see them approach nearly $160 million in generated transfer fees, should all expected departures come to fruition.
Chief among them has been Tijjani Reijnders’ move to Manchester City, whilst Theo Hernandez accepted a surprise move to Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal, despite initially rejecting their approaches.
An intoxicating blend of youth and experience has been added to the midfield in Milan’s only two arrivals so far, with Luka Modric and Samuele Ricci ready to form an intriguing partnership.
However, the most pressing issue that is shows little signs of immediate resolution, is the Rossoneri’s depth at full-back, or lack thereof.
Theo Hernandez’s departure means 19-year-old Davide Bartesaghi, who spent last season representing Milan Futuro, is the club’s only recognized left-back.
The teenager is no doubt an admired prospect at the San Siro, but Allegri’s ambitions of turning Milan into a side capable of challenging for the Scudetto requires far more experience.
Latest Serie A News Sees Andy Robertson Targeted By Milan
Liverpool’s Andy Robertson has hinted that he intends to see out his contract, which expires next summer.
How likely that eventuality is remains in question, particularly with the Reds investing $53 million in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, who is expected to start at left-back come the start of the season.
Liverpool will likely want to avoid a scenario whereby Robertson leaves for free next summer, and reports suggest they are inviting interested parties to the table.
Atletico Madrid had been touted as the Scotsman’s likeliest suitors, although no movement since initial contacts means that move appears dead in the water.
FootItalia now understands that Milan’s desperate need for a full-back has forced them into the market, and Robertson’s situation is deemed a market opportunity that could remedy the situation quickly.
The 31-year-old would be available for a relatively modest transfer fee of $10 million, which suits Milan’s budget for the summer, where they are hoping to allocate a larger chunk to bring in players further up the pitch.
Milan showed interest in Genoa’s Honest Ahanor, but were beaten to his signature by Atalanta earlier this month.
That has only accelerated their need for a left-back, with Allegri being forced into shoehorning naturally right-footed defenders onto the left flank.
AC Milan are still some way behind the frontrunners in offshore sportsbooks‘ estimations for next season, but Allegri’s vision for the future is slowly coming together.
