AC Milan are required to sign at least one left-back this summer, and Massimiliano Allegri has a preference.
There have been several links to defenders in the past 18 months, and there will continue to be until Milan sign one. The reason why is clear: the Rossoneri need to replace Theo, and, in the unlikely case he stays, a new option is needed.
With this, there are multiple directions that could be taken. A young heir could be sought for the long term, or a middle ground could be brought in to bridge the gap until someone like Davide Bartesaghi is ready.
Allegri’s idea
As Calciomercato.com reports, though, Allegri is hoping to reunite with Andrea Cambiaso, whom he worked with at Juventus for two years. However, it is an ‘impossible mission’, largely due to the price. In fact, a similar situation is in place with Destiny Udogie, who is seen as too costly to bring back to Italy.
The two most obvious routes lead to Maxim De Cuyper and Oleksandr Zinchenko, both are likely to move this summer, and they are offering the most so far. The Belgian is being pursued by Premier League clubs, and Theo’s situation could be decisive in the deal.
Zinchenko De Cuyper
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For Zinchenko, the interest from others is not as high, but Allegri and Igli Tare like the player, with his versatility also proving to be a tempting factor.
Tyrick Mitchell and Junior Firpo are also being considered, but they are not among the top ideas currently. If anything, action would be taken for one of the favourites, and then the situation would be reassessed.