Interview I Milan journalist Alessandro Jacobone: “The Dušan Vlahović track may heat up in the second half of August” | OneFootball

With roughly three weeks to go until the 2025/26 Serie A season kicks off into gear, Milan had quite an active summer within the transfer window.

The Rossonerri turned towards an all familiar coach Max Allegri to return to the helm of the Milanese club for the first time since 2014 to try and turn things around after a horrendous season last year in which they have failed to qualify for any European football.

So far, Milan have managed to secure the signings of Croatian football veteran Luka Modric, Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci, and Brighton full-back Pervis Estupiñán.

However, Milan show no signs of slowing down as the Ardon Jashari transfer saga is far from sterile and the Diavolo continue within their pursuit for a well-documented forward, with Juventus attacker Dušan Vlahović teadily emerging as a concrete possibility.

With plenty series of events occurring within the Rossonerri camp, the Get Italian Football News team had Milan journalist Alessandro Jacobone exclusively provide his opinions and insight on what has occured thus far within the transfer market.

Eleven years after leaving the Rossoneri, Max Allegri returns to AC Milan. What do you think he will change or implement compared to last season?

“Improving on last season’s performance shouldn’t be too difficult — Milan are coming off a complete failure, the kind that usually triggers a strong reaction in the following campaign.

“The return of Massimiliano Allegri represents exactly that reset — it brings the horses back into the stable. I use this metaphor because the arrival of such a commanding figure, both on and off the pitch, along with the appointment of a new sporting director, signals a clear shift in direction by the management — and perhaps, a whispered mea culpa.

“However, we’ll only understand the true level of autonomy given to Allegri and Tare once the transfer window closes. For now, it’s still too early to tell.”

In midfield, Milan are targeting Samuele Ricci from Torino and Luka Modric from Real Madrid. What qualities do you think this pair could bring to the team?

“Samuele Ricci has been monitored for quite some time. His clean style of play, his ability to bring order to the midfield, and, why not, his Italian nationality — useful for UEFA squad lists and a dressing room currently lacking in domestic players — have all been appreciated.

“He arrives after Milan gave up on Xhaka, a target of Tare’s, who didn’t quite fit within the financial and strategic parameters set by ownership. Xhaka’s age, relative to his cost, played a role — making him less attractive in terms of resale value compared to Ricci, and therefore less aligned with RedBird’s philosophy.

“As for Modric — what can we say? It’s like being loaned Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to hang in your dining room. A true privilege to watch him play, and I have no doubt he’ll be more than just a decorative piece.”

For the full-back position, Milan have secured Brighton’s Pervis Estupiñán. How important is this signing, considering the current crisis in that role and last season’s lack of quality on the flanks?

“Let’s be honest — until Estupiñán delivers a string of solid performances, Milan fans will likely still feel there’s a void on the left flank.

“Regardless of what led to Theo Hernandez’s departure — and his last two underwhelming seasons — replacing him is no easy feat.

“It won’t be an easy task for Estupiñán, but he seems to have the character to impose himself. Time will tell.”

Transfer rumours are swirling, as always. Which players realistically fit the club’s strategy, and what’s the latest on the striker front?

“The transfer window always throws up dozens of names — some credible, some not. To fans asking me who might be close, I always suggest filtering through the ownership’s criteria: age, reasonable transfer fee, sustainable salary, and no risk of triggering wage demands from others in the squad.

“With that in mind, Dusan Vlahović seems closer than most — due to his current valuation and Juventus’s desire to offload a player not fully in Tudor’s plans.

“It will take patience. Allegri has requested a striker who can deliver 20 goals a season. The Vlahović track may heat up in the second half of August.”

The Ardon Jashari deal seems to have stalled. The midfielder only wants Milan, but Brugge won’t accept the €35M + bonuses offer. Is the deal still viable, and who else is on Milan’s shortlist in central midfield?

“Igli Tare has been all-in on Jashari from the start. He believes strongly in the player’s potential and has invested time and influence within the club to push for the deal.

“However, Club Brugge are playing hardball — stalling and hoping for a better offer. But the player’s desire hasn’t changed: he wants Milan at all costs.

“It’s become something of an Argentine soap opera, much to the frustration of Milan’s management. But the Belgian club’s tactics are nothing new — just think back to the De Ketelaere saga. These aren’t the practices of a top-tier club. Will they cave? I believe so — in the end, it’s in everyone’s best interest.”

Julian Faustini Ι GIFN