Real Madrid midfielder Matteo Kovacic has reportedly been made AC Milan’s top priority in the summer transfer market.
The Rossoneri officially welcomed new coach Vincenzo Montella to the club on Monday, with the former Fiorentina and Sampdoria boss facing arguably his toughest job to date in the upcoming season.
Having already signed the top goalscorer in Serie B last season in Gianluca Lapadula, Milan will continue to strengthen their squad by chasing the Croatian international next, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Kovacic joined Real last summer from Inter in a €35m deal, but failed to have the desired impact in the Spanish capital as he struggled to make his mark given the competition in midfield.
After being forced to play a back-up role to the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, the 22-year-old could be set for a return to Serie A where he will relish the opportunity to play a pivotal role in Montella’s plans moving forward.
The Italian tactician is expected to implement an attractive style of play at the San Siro next season, having already impressed many with his work in Florence.
In turn, he will welcome the opportunity to sign Kovacic, with the Croatian ace able to offer creativity and flair in the middle of the pitch, something that Milan have been missing for some time.
Nevertheless, the move isn’t expected to be made until the takeover of the club is completed, with a Chinese consortium still in talks over a deal with President Silvio Berlusconi, as noted by Gazzetta.
The club will continue to work on various moves in the interim, but it’s unlikely that any more transfers will be given the green light until the new ownership is in place and they agree to which players arrive and for what transfer fees.