Milan have moved quickly in the last few days, from hiring Max Allegri to making plans for the summer mercato. Manchester City’s approach for Tijjani Reijnders has further accelerated the situation, as the English side want him before the Club World Cup.
According to Mediaset (via MilanNews), the Rossoneri haven’t reached an agreement with City yet, but they are already making moves for a replacement: Samuele Ricci. The Italian was already on their radar, but the fact they missed out on European competitions put the pursuit in danger.
With the money from Reijnders’ exit, however, they will be able to close the deal without any issues. As the report states, they have reached an agreement with the player and they are just one step away from doing so with Torino as well, with the price tag set at around €30m.
Once the Reijnders deal is over the line, Milan will be able to pull the trigger on Ricci. As added by Tuttosport (also via MilanNews), the Rossoneri are indeed in advanced talks with Torino and a deal can be closed at €30-35m.
Without a doubt, even with Ricci as a replacement of sorts (you would have to imagine another midfielder will be signed as well), a lot of Milan fans will be disappointed if Reijnders leaves. He has been a key player this season and he would be incredibly difficult to replace, if not impossible.
15 goals in all competitions, as a midfielder mostly in a tandem, without taking penalties, is incredibly impressive so perhaps the price tag should be higher than the rumoured €75m.