Four signings that Milan should make this summer to address key issues and step up quality

This summer is going to be a hugely important period for Milan as they have to get it right in the transfer window to ensure we kick on and compete next season.

While our form to end the last campaign has paved the way for us to move in the right direction, it will have been for nothing if we don’t pick up from where we left off and go from strength to strength.

READ MORE: AC Milan 2019/20 Season Review: Player of the Year, highs and lows and rating for campaign

Getting the best out of the players already at his disposal and overseeing their ongoing development will be one crucial part of the job for Stefano Pioli, but he’ll hope that the club can bring in the right new faces to fit his system and style of play to ensure that we’re building a sustainable plan for success with signings that fit the culture and make-up of the squad.

As per the tweet below, a vast array of names were offered by Milan Talk followers on Twitter when asked for up to four names that they want to see us sign this summer, and while all are credible ideas, the four below could be the realistic and smart additions that the Rossoneri go for.

Nikola Milenkovic

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serbian centre-half is on our transfer radar, but there could yet be two major obstacles standing in the way of a deal, namely competition from Inter and his touted €40m price-tag.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if an agreement can be reached between the two clubs, but the 22-year-old would arguably be a good fit to solidify our backline further and offer the right balance next to Simon Kjaer and Matteo Gabbia to give us four quality options in total for the two positions.

He’s made 96 appearances for the Viola already and so has a wealth of experience of playing in Italy, while he has been capped 18 times for Serbia. Solid defensively with composure on the ball and a big frame to offer physicality, it could be a smart swoop if we do manage to pull off a deal.

Emerson

Another player who has been linked but is seemingly out of our price bracket is right-back Emerson, with Mundo Deportivo reporting last month that talks have taken place but Barcelona want €30m for him.

The 21-year-old really is an ideal fit in terms of the style of play we want to adopt on and off the ball, as he loves to press and put pressure on the opposition with intensity and at a high tempo, while he offers a real threat down the right flank which could complement Theo Hernandez perfectly to add balance to the side.

However, that price-tag is a problem. If we can find a compromise, he could be a long-term solution at right-back and emerge as the final piece in the backline as we’re set elsewhere.

Samuele Ricci

It’s hard to keep up with the number of midfielders that we’ve been linked with, and so the list of possible targets would be endless if they were all included here.

One name that has appeared though is that of Empoli youngster, Samuele Ricci. As noted by MilanNews, via the paper edition of Corriere dello Sport, the Rossoneri are said to have been keeping tabs on the talented ace and he could arrive this summer.

Aside from the talent and potential that he possesses, he is also still only 18. That fits the criteria we’ve looked for in many recent signings given he could grow into an important figure in the side while also commanding a low wage and transfer fee, particularly in comparison to more established targets.

With Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie set in the double pivot, Ricci could slot in, take his time to develop and push the pair for a starting spot while rotating in as we compete on various fronts. Another low cost, high reward signing.

Memphis Depay

Tuttomercatoweb most recently reported on our interest in the Dutchman last month, and it’s important to note that as things stand he has just one year left on his current contract and so we can use that to our advantage this summer.

The 26-year-old disappointed at Man Utd, but that was sandwiched in between two impressive spells with PSV and now Lyon respectively. With the former he bagged 50 goals and 29 assists in 124 games, while with the latter he has 54 goals and 43 assists in 136 outings.

Naturally, some will question the competitiveness of those leagues but he also has 19 goals in 51 caps for the Netherlands. He boasts pedigree, experience and quality at the top level. His versatility is also useful as he can play across the frontline, and combine his movement and directness with Rebic on the opposite flank and playing off Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he could be a dangerous addition to our attack and ticks all the right boxes in terms of what Pioli is looking for from an attacking player.