Morata or Lukaku? Zlatan Ibrahimovic Confirms AC Milan's Plans
The former player, now advisor to the Rossoneri club, stated that they have a forward in mind for the upcoming season.
The Milan has "in mind" the signing of a forward, assured former club player Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Monday, amid rumors about the club's interest in Spanish striker Álvaro Morata from Atlético de Madrid, at the press conference presenting the new Milan coach, Portuguese Paulo Fonseca.
"We're not in a hurry. The market is long. I can guarantee that new signings will come. We are talking, discussing. Nothing is done. (The signing of Dutchman Joshua) Zirkzee has happened, we have one in mind, but I won't say the name. Someone is in our sights," said Ibrahimovic, advisor to the American fund RedBird, owner of the club.
The former player, a Milan legend, explained that "to bring in players, you also have to create space." "We don't want a squad of 30 players, but rather 23. New signings will arrive, but we also need to create space so we don't have too many players who are not functional for the coach. We need to think not only about who comes in, but also about who goes out," he affirmed.
Italian media highlight on Monday that Milan is searching for a forward, with Morata's name being most mentioned, ahead of Belgian Romelu Lukaku, although the latter is eager to play for Antonio Conte's Napoli, a move that could materialize if one of their stars, Nigerian Victor Osimhen, leaves the team, according to the same sources.
Morata or Lukaku?
"Milan, only Morata and Lukaku remain," headlines 'La Gazetta dello Sport', which assures that after the signing of Dutchman Joshua Zirkee by Manchester United, the Italian club has "changed their pursuit for the number 9," although Milan must "respect the limits imposed by the Spanish player: first the Eurocup, then everything else."
According to the newspaper, "the success of the negotiation depends solely on Álvaro's availability, who in early July pledged allegiance to Atlético de Madrid," and recalls his message on social media - "I will stay until I win here" - rejecting the Arabian courtship of Al Qadsiah, "despite the rich offer being unattractive."
And it asks: "Will he do the same after Milan's attempt? Yesterday, in an interview with the Spanish media ElDesmarque, he was much less categorical: 'Staying at Atlético is my desire from the bottom of my heart, but there are often moments when it becomes complicated for me in Spain. It depends on how things go.'"
In that case, it is noted, "Milan will have to deal directly with Álvaro, not with Atlético: Morata can be released by paying the €13 million buyout clause. The player earns just under half, €6 million, a figure in line with Milan's parameters."
The new coach Fonseca, for his part, expressed great satisfaction with his arrival at Milan, "a universal club," where he said he can "do a great job" because he is "very motivated and excited."
"I am ready to start this new path and I can't wait to begin. I have great ambition and I want to win," he said. "I know the responsibility I have, it is also a great pride and ambition. I am confident," he reiterated.