AC Milan are reportedly ready to launch a €45m bid to sign Chelsea playmaker Oscar next summer as they prepare to spend big under their new owners.
The Rossoneri expect a Chinese consortium to complete a takeover of the club by the end of the year, and in turn they will hope to have significant transfer funds at their disposal in the windows ahead.
According to Calciomercatoweb, they will look to make Oscar one of their first marquee signings, and are willing to spend €45m on taking the Brazilian playmaker to the San Siro.
Oscar could struggle to carve out a spot for himself in Antonio Conte’s side if the Chelsea boss deploys a 3-5-2 system moving forward, and that in turn could raise question marks over his future at Stamford Bridge.
In contrast, the 25-year-old would be a key figure in Vincenzo Montella’s 4-3-3, and his signing would undoubtedly be an early statement from the Chinese ownership about their intentions for the club.
It’s added in the report that Chelsea value Oscar at €40m, but much can change between now and the end of the season.
Namely, the fact that Chelsea and Milan are both chasing Champions League qualification this season, and should one fail to qualify for Europe’s premier competition, it could lead to a situation where Oscar picks the best spot for him with Champions League football high on his agenda.
Both teams could struggle given their respective starts to the season, although given the competition for the top three places in Serie A, it could be argued that the Rossoneri are more likely to miss out with Chelsea hoping to return to the form that saw them win their opening three league games.
Nevertheless, should Oscar struggle to impress Conte this season, that could also have an effect on his decision moving forward, provided that Milan do come through with their significant offer and test Chelsea’s resolve next summer.