Juan Cuadrado
The most likely of the five, with a deal looking imminent.
A reunion with Vincenzo Montella looks to be the key here as he was a major factor in making the Columbian the player he is now. After a poor stint at Chelsea and a solid loan deal at Juventus, his future is clouded at the Stamford Bridge. With Antonio Conte signalling that he is not part of his plans for the near or long-term future. A price tag of 30 million Euros has been slapped on the head of the pacey winger.
A move to Milan could be key for his career and would be a major upgrade from Suso or Keisuke Honda. If the deal does not go through by the end of August, a January move would not be off the cards.
Martin Caceres
An experienced prospect for a side struggling with defensive reinforcements.
After his release by Juventus at the conclusion of last season. The question remains as to where the Uruguayan will play next season. He has been behind the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Daniele Rugani in the pecking order at the Bianconeri
but does not lack quality. Caceres is mobile, strong in the tackle and the experienced head the Rossoneri have been craving. At the age of 29, he still has some solid years ahead and would be a major upgrade from Gabriel Paletta or Gustavo Gomez.
Due to his price tag being little to nothing, a move could well be a possibility. He should be chased heavily and is not out of Milan’s reach. Is exactly what Milan needs as a short-term fix.
Milan Badelj
Another looking for a reunion with Vincenzo Montella.
Signed by the Italian at the commencement of the 2014/15 season, his former association with Montella could be the telling factor. Fiorentina are reluctant to sell him but is trying to push through the move before the end of August. A tough nosed defensive midfielder who the Rossoneri have been looking for since the departure of Nigel De Jong last January. It can be argued they never have since the days of Gennaro Gattuso and Mark van Bommel. Also, being 27 he allows for Milan to provide some sort of short-term fix until the likes of Manuel Locatelli and Jose Mauri develop.
He is a major upgrade from Montolivo and would be welcomed at the Red Side of Milan.
Simone Zaza
The villain of Euro 2016 could be the man heading to the Fashion Capital.
His scoring prowess is not doubted and has shown his striking instincts inside the 18-yard box for Juventus and Sassuolo on numerous occasions. With Carlos Bacca’s future at the club heavily clouded, the man to replace him could be Zaza. Struggling for game-time behind Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuian and Mario Mandzukic will force the Italian International into heavy consideration about his future. A guaranteed starting role would await him at the
Rossoneri, as would a potential partnership with Bacca if he stays.
He is now 25 and is getting to the stage of his career where he has to make a decision as to where his future lies. A Milan under the watchful guise of Montella may be the answer.
Mateo Musacchio
Heavily targeted but still no final product.
The Argentinian from Villarreal has been on Milan’s transfer wish-list the entire off-season. With numerous offers being placed for the Yellow-Submarine centre-back, a lot will come to who can offer the most. Milan are reluctant to spend more than 25 million euros for Musacchio’s services, but could be a major in for the Rossoneri. With this signing, it would provide Milan with the best defensive depth they have had their disposal since the days of 2011. Injury prone, but at his best is one of the best in the La Liga. Could be a massive in if Galliani and go can get the deal done.
With Caceres along with Musacchio heavy on Milan’s wish-list, the two could provide a new lease of life to a deteriorating defence. Could this be the beginning of a back three which Montella used to utmost success during his tenure at the Viola. Romagnoli, Caceres and Musacchio does sound tasteful…