City Defender Targeted By Serie A Club | OneFootball

AC Milan Circle Adrien Rabiot as Transfer Deadline Looms

Credit to Gazzetta dello Sport for the original reporting that has shone fresh light on AC Milan’s late-window manoeuvres. The Rossoneri are weighing their options with Adrien Rabiot, Manuel Akanji and a potential forward exchange, as the clock ticks down on the summer market.

Rabiot’s Dilemma Between Marseille and Milan

The former Juventus midfielder remains at the centre of attention. His mother and agent Veronique has engaged with Milan, following the club’s recent inquiry. “There’s no formal negotiation yet, but compared to recent days, when the player and his entourage were determined to stay in Marseille, there’s an openness,” explained Gazzetta.

That shift is significant. Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi has been clear in his advice. “I advised him to go speak to the management and apologize for his actions in Rennes, because his entourage made matters worse. Now I have nothing more to do about it. It’s up to him and the club.”

Photo IMAGO

For Rabiot, time is running out. He must either heal divisions with Marseille or push for a Milan move within hours. Milan officials, including CEO Giorgio Furlani, technical director Igli Tare and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, are ready to act. “The Livorno coach explicitly requested Rabiot,” noted Gazzetta, pointing to how vital his addition could be for Milan’s midfield.

Musah’s Future Hinges on Rabiot Arrival

The domino effect is clear. Should Rabiot return to Serie A, Yunus Musah is expected to depart. “We have an agreement with Atalanta (€25 million plus bonuses, ed.) and the final decision will be made tomorrow (today, ed.),” said Tare to Dazn and Sky. Musah’s role as a starter against Lecce underlines his value, but his departure would balance the squad both financially and tactically.

What complicates matters is Marseille’s valuation. To complete the deal, the Frenchman’s approval and an agreement on the €15 million fee are needed. Milan deem that too high, yet the urgency of the moment may force compromises.

Akanji the Defensive Priority

Alongside midfield talks, Milan are pushing for defensive reinforcements. Manchester City’s Swiss international Manuel Akanji is the clear target. “After the change in formation, we’ll definitely sign a central defender. We haven’t convinced Akanji yet. He’s the ideal candidate because he has experience and quality,” admitted Tare.

The problem is financial and sporting. Akanji earns €5 million annually in England and is unwilling to cut that figure. His preference for Champions League football also places Tottenham ahead of Milan, with Crystal Palace monitoring closely. For now, Milan remain in contention but face stiff competition.

Forward Line Considerations

Unlike midfield and defence, Milan are not rushing into further attacking signings. Christian Nkunku, Rafael Leao, Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic provide sufficient options. Tare left open the possibility of a swap deal with Roma involving Gimenez and Dovbyk, stating, “Numerically, we’re fine as we are, but we’re evaluating a swap deal with the Giallorossi. We won’t add another player.”

Names like Aleksandar Mitrovic remain on the radar but, as Gazzetta confirm, no concrete response has come from Milan. For now, Allegri prefers stability up front as the tactical setup solidifies around a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Milan supporter, excitement mixes with concern. Rabiot’s potential arrival feels like a statement signing, yet his complex history with clubs, coaches and entourages makes fans sceptical. De Zerbi’s pointed words about apologising show that the baggage is real. Milan’s midfield has quality, but the addition of Rabiot could add much-needed leadership and Serie A experience, if only the fee can be managed.

Musah’s likely exit is divisive. Some fans admire his energy and development, especially in games like Lecce, and see selling him as a mistake. Others view his sale as a necessary sacrifice to fund Rabiot, believing that Milan need a player of his calibre for Champions League pushes.

Defensively, Akanji looks the perfect fit but financial barriers and his desire for Champions League football leave Milan in a vulnerable position. Losing out to Tottenham would sting, while settling for a cheaper alternative may not match ambitions.

The forward line feels more stable, but there is always a lingering question about depth if injuries strike. The whispers about Gimenez or Mitrovic fuel intrigue but lack concrete urgency.

Overall, fans expect action in the final hours. Anything less could feel underwhelming, given the scale of names Milan are linked with.