AC Milan, a club steeped in a rich history of legendary goal-scorers, finds itself once again navigating the intricate currents of the summer transfer market in pursuit of its next prolific number nine. The spotlight this season falls on two prominent figures: Gonçalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain and Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus. Both represent high-caliber options, yet their acquisition involves a strategic dance around valuations, contracts, and the ever-present influence of powerful football agents.
Gonçalo Ramos: The Parisian Puzzle Piece
Gonçalo Ramos, a name that surfaced prominently after a breakout performance on the international stage, currently finds himself in a curious position at Paris Saint-Germain. Despite his undeniable talent and a commendable scoring record of 19 goals across all competitions last season, his time on the pitch was surprisingly limited, with only 12 starts in Ligue 1 and a solitary one in the Champions League. This sparse utilization is a testament to the unpredictable nature of football management, as PSG`s coach, Luis Enrique, appears to favor a more agile, `lightweight` attacking setup.
Having invested a substantial €65 million to secure Ramos, PSG naturally isn`t keen on a fire sale. They are seeking a deal that reflects their investment, or they may opt to retain the player if no suitable offer materializes. For Milan, a direct purchase at PSG`s asking price is currently beyond their financial scope. This situation has led the Rossoneri to explore the less conventional, yet often effective, avenue of a loan deal. Such an arrangement, typically materializing later in the transfer window, aligns perfectly with Milan’s patient, calculated approach.
The Mendes Factor: A Strategic Alliance
In the labyrinthine world of football transfers, a powerful agent is often more valuable than a deep war chest. Here, Milan finds a crucial ally in Jorge Mendes, one of football’s most influential super-agents. Mendes`s recent successful facilitation of the Estupinan deal with Milan has reportedly solidified a positive working relationship between the parties, improving on past complexities involving other high-profile clients like Conceição and João Félix.
This renewed rapport with Mendes could prove pivotal. What might seem an “impossible” transaction in early July could, with Mendes’s strategic maneuvering, become a “feasible” option by August. Milan’s management understands that the market dictates its own pace, and key opportunities often arise as the transfer window draws to a close, when clubs become more flexible and desperate to offload players or secure new additions.
Dusan Vlahovic: The Familiar Alternative
While Ramos presents an intriguing prospect, Dusan Vlahovic remains a strong and familiar alternative, particularly in the mind of Massimiliano Allegri, who knows the Serbian striker well from their time at Juventus. Vlahovic has consistently demonstrated his capability to score in double digits, making him a reliable goal threat. However, much like Ramos, Vlahovic comes with his own set of financial complexities, primarily revolving around his contract and associated transfer fees.
Milan`s consideration of Vlahovic underscores their desire for a proven, traditional number nine. Despite recent experiments with players like Rafael Leão in a central attacking role, and ongoing whispers about others like Santiago Giménez, the club`s coaching staff, especially Allegri, is accustomed to having a dedicated, clinical striker leading the line. Players of Vlahovic`s and Ramos`s ilk, or indeed a fit Boniface, are seen as rightful heirs to the storied tradition of formidable forwards who have graced the San Siro pitch.
The Patience Game: August Anticipation
The overarching theme of Milan`s transfer strategy this summer is patience. The club is acutely aware of the market’s inherent volatility and the tendency for significant deals to unfold in the final weeks of the window. By not rushing, Milan aims to capitalize on situations where selling clubs might lower their demands or where loan options become more viable as the deadline looms. While fans might be tearing their hair out over the perceived inaction, the club`s strategy is a calculated gamble, hoping that composure in July will yield valuable rewards in August.
Securing a top-tier striker is not merely about adding goals; it’s about defining Milan’s ambitions for the upcoming season. The choice between Ramos and Vlahovic, or indeed another unmentioned target, will significantly impact their competitive standing in Serie A and European competitions. As the summer progresses, the football world watches to see which piece Milan will ultimately fit into their attacking puzzle.
