AC Milan's Midfield Overhaul Looms with Modric Among Key Questions
AC Milan are planning a significant restructuring of their midfield ahead of next season, with the future of several key players, including a potential move for Luka Modric, under intense scrutiny. According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serie A club's strongest department this campaign is now its biggest puzzle, with multiple departures and arrivals expected. The only certainty, the report states, is that French international Adrien Rabiot is considered untouchable and will remain a cornerstone of the project.
The most high-profile name linked with a move to the San Siro is Real Madrid and Croatia legend Luka Modric. The 38-year-old's contract at the Bernabeu expires this summer, and his future remains undecided, with retirement one possibility. Milan are reportedly monitoring the situation, viewing the veteran playmaker as a potential short-term solution to add experience and creativity to their engine room. Modric, a former Ballon d'Or winner, would bring a wealth of trophy-winning knowledge, though his age and potential wage demands present clear considerations for the club's management.
Conversely, the report suggests that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is among the players most likely to depart. The English midfielder, who joined from Chelsea last summer, has struggled with consistency and is reportedly seen as a potential alternative rather than a guaranteed starter. His possible sale would free up significant funds and a squad space for new investments. The futures of other midfielders like Youssouf Fofana of Monaco, Samuele Ricci of Torino, and young Swiss international Ardon Jashari of Luzern are also under discussion as Milan compile their shortlist for the upcoming transfer window.
This planned overhaul comes despite the midfield being hailed as the team's best-performing area this season. The apparent desire for change signals a critical evaluation by the technical staff, led by Geoffrey Moncada and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who are seeking a different blend of attributes. The aim is to build a unit that can provide greater tactical flexibility and control, particularly in crucial European matches, where Milan have fallen short in recent campaigns.
The club's strategy appears to balance immediate impact with long-term planning. While a star name like Modric would offer a short-term boost, targets like the 22-year-old Jashari or Torino's Ricci represent investments in the future. The coming months will be decisive in shaping the core of Stefano Pioli's, or a potential new manager's, squad for the 2024/25 season. Milan's activity in the midfield market will be the clearest indicator of their ambitions to close the gap to rivals Inter and make a deeper run in the Champions League.
