Milan Transfers: 4 Centre Backs Milan Should Target in the Summer Window
By David Ford
When thinking of AC Milan, what do you picture? The likely answer is a solid defence that can rival Fort Knox, the epitome of the idea that Italians are the true masters of defending.
That, however, hasn't been the case for a while. Milan have been on a steady decline since their last Scudetto in the 2010/11 season, and that has been in no small part due to the lack of talent and cohesion at the back.
While Thiago Silva marshalled that Serie A winning defence, Milan haven't had a centre back as commanding since. Even the highly anticipated arrival of Leonardo Bonucci in 2017 ended in disappointment, despite his obvious credentials.
Currently, Milan have the highly rated Alessio Romagnoli as their captain, and while he is obviously a very good defender, he could do with an even better one alongside him if I Rossoneri are to challenge again.
The legendary days of Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta and Alessandro Nesta are over, and we've compiled a list of four centre backs for Milan to target.
Dayot Upamecano
A product of the Red Bull system, Upamecano plays as if he was engineered in one of the company's labs. He's relentless, full of energy and plays as if he has wings on his feet as well as his mind, one step ahead of everyone else.
The French centre back has been a standout performer in a very good RB Leipzig team that were running Bayern all the way to the title until the Bundesliga's suspension. With his solid tackling and expert positioning, it's only a matter of time before the 21-year-old finds himself at the very top.
That could be the stumbling block for Milan, however. Upamecano is ready for the top now, and a host of elite clubs are interested. They'd do well to muscle their way to the front of the queue.
Potential Price: £55m - £70m
Ozan Kabak
Ozan Kabak is currently fast-tracking his way to to the top of European football. An impressive half season at Galatasaray led to a move to Stuttgart, where another impressive half season led to a move to Schalke, where another impressive half-ish season could lead to another move up the chain.
It's not hard to see why. The 20-year-old is dominant in the air and incredibly comfortable on the ball. He's regularly starting Schalke's attacks this season, often by dribbling the ball from his own half into the opponents box. Trust us, it's exciting to watch.
Schalke aren't likely to let him leave for cheap in the summer having only paid around £14m for him less than a year ago, and with his stock only rising, could command a hefty figure.
Potential Price: £25m - £30m
Daniele Rugani
If you're a Milan fan reading this, you're probably sick to death of hearing rumours about Rugani joining. The move has looked on and off more times that Ross and Rachel from Friends, but this summer could finally see them make their move once and for all.
Rugani is a brilliant defender, but for one reason or another hasn't been able to hold down a regular place in the Juventus starting XI.
He's a terrific reader of the game and he'd be a cracking fit into the Milan back line. He may feel it's time to move on from Turin, especially with Giorgio Chiellini signing a one year extension.
Potential Price: £20m - £35m
Simon Kjær
Should Milan not want to take much of a risk, signing Danish centre back Simon Kjær permanently would be a great option. He joined Milan on loan in January and formed an instant partnership with Romagnoli.
Kjær has plenty of experience in Italy having previously played for Palermo, Roma and Atalanta, as well as some big clubs from other parts of Europe, and he has 95 caps for his national team.
With only a year left on his deal at Sevilla and already in his 30s, he wouldn't command a high fee, and that could allow Milan to strengthen elsewhere.
Potential Price: £7m - £10m