Cardinale Ready to Back Allegri: Words That Ignite the Rossoneri’s Summer
The AC Milan summer transfer market is heating up with rumours and reports. In recent hours, the news that owner Gerry Cardinale is willing to meet the demands of head coach Massimiliano Allegri ahead of next season has been gaining momentum. An encouraging signal, no doubt, but one that must be read with appropriate caution: over the years, history has shown that the gap between stated intentions and concrete actions can be significant.
What matters — for Milan and its fans — are facts. And the facts, right now, say that the Rossoneri squad needs deep-rooted changes to return to being competitive at the highest level, both in Serie A and in the Champions League. The goal is clear: build a squad of 24-25 quality players capable of sustaining a full season of dual European and domestic commitments. Milan currently has 19 outfield players — a number insufficient for comfortably handling a high-level campaign.
The Attack: All Five Players Under Discussion
The hottest issue concerns the forward line. Among the five players currently in the squad in that department — Niclas Füllkrug, Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leão, Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Giménez — it is possible that at most two or three will remain. Every profile is under scrutiny, and the coming weeks will reveal how many of these players will continue to wear the Rossoneri shirt.
- Füllkrug: a permanent deal looks highly unlikely. The German striker, on loan, is not expected to be kept on.
- Santiago Giménez: the Mexican centre-forward, who arrived with high expectations, could leave Milan with a valuation of around €25 million — a significant sum that, if received, would boost the budget for new signings.
- Christopher Nkunku: for the French attacking midfielder, Milan have reportedly set an asking price of approximately €30 million. His future in red and black remains uncertain.
- Leão and Pulisic: the situations of the Portuguese winger and the American attacker must be handled separately and with the utmost care. Both remain central to the project, but everything will depend on technical assessments and any offers that may arrive from the market.
One thing is certain: this season Milan lacked a striker capable of scoring goals consistently. Fixing this gap is the absolute priority for the next transfer window.
Midfield: Goretzka in Pole Position, the Modrić Question
In midfield, the hottest name is that of Leon Goretzka, the German midfielder leaving Bayern Munich who could represent a signing of great experience and quality for the Rossoneri engine room. His ability to cover ground, combined with a strong sense of goal, makes him an ideal profile for the proactive football Allegri aims to build.
There is also the chapter of Luka Modrić to resolve. The Croatian maestro, currently sidelined through injury, faces an important crossroads: continue his adventure in a Milan shirt or step back from top-level football. His experience and class remain an invaluable asset for any team, and Milan hopes to be able to count on him next season too.
Defence: Mario Gila in the Crosshairs, Reinforcements Needed
The defensive department needs at least one, if not two quality additions. The name doing the rounds most persistently is that of Mario Gila, centre-back at Lazio. The Spaniard, who arrived in Serie A in 2022 on the recommendation of Simone Inzaghi, has shown he can play in both a four-man and three-man backline — a key tactical requirement to fit into Allegri’s systems. His experience in Italian football is a far from negligible asset.
Negotiating with Lazio, however, is never straightforward. The Rome club is well known for its firm stance in negotiations and for the high valuations it places on its best players. Maximum patience and determination will be required from the Rossoneri board to complete the deal.
Wide Players: At Least One Signing, Better Two
Another role to strengthen is that of wide players. Allegri is said to have requested at least one player capable of operating on both flanks, although the ideal scenario would be to bring in two: one specialist for the right wing and one for the left. Tactical versatility remains a fundamental characteristic for anyone who arrives.
A Necessary Revolution to Return to Winning Ways
All things considered, we are talking about 5, 6 or even 7 signings depending on how many departures materialise. A true overhaul, one that demands serious investment, courageous choices and a clear vision of the technical project. If Gila and Goretzka were to arrive immediately after the end of the season, that would already be a concrete and encouraging signal.
Milan have not won a Scudetto since May 2022. Since then, almost four years of waiting and just one trophy — the Italian Super Cup. It is time to turn the page, to translate words into actions. Allegri knows it, the fans know it, and now it is up to the club to prove it in the transfer market. The great Milan is ready to start again.
