Monday, 13 July 2015

El Shaarawy: "I'm very happy"

El Shaarawy, who will sign a 5-year contract reportedly worth €3m per year, says he is "very happy to have joined Monaco".

"I'm very happy to have joined Monaco. It wasn't an easy decision to leave Milan, especially because I only had 24 hours to decide."

"I needed to try something new and get a new experience. I think Monaco is the best choice for me."

"I thank the President of AS Monaco for this opportunity and hope to have a great season. I want to make the fans happy."

The move had already been considered in January, but was postponed after an injury.

"We are very proud to welcome Stephan El Shaarawy, whose arrival marks the highlight of our recruitment strategy," added CEO Vadim Vasilyev.

Sunday, 12 July 2015

FEATURE: Il Faraone - La Bestia


Stephan El Shaarawy is a few steps away from joining Monaco on a five-year contract reportedly worth €3m per season. Milan, who will receive €18m from Monaco, are planning to increase their bid for Roma's young defender Romagnoli, where an agreement could be reached at €22m.

The young forward had some good and some bad seasons as a Milan player after joining from Genoa in 2011. He did play a heroic role in his breakthrough season of 2012 scoring 14 goals in the first half of the season. He was also registered as the youngest player of AC Milan to score in the Champions League, at the age of 19 and 342 days. But his luck started to turn against him with the years after dealing with a lot of injuries. Last season, he finished with 18 league appearances and three scored goals.

With all that being said, was it a good move by Galliani and Co?

Looking at the club that signed the 22 years old ace, AS Monaco are not the kind of club that spends money recklessly like City "with today’s signing of Sterling for a whopping £50M".

Monaco actually know every single detail of the players that they sign, not to mention Kondogbia, Rodriguez and Abdennour who are all worth or sold by double the figures Monaco bought them for.

So is it just a gamble by the French giants “which I personally doubt” or was it just another failure by the Red and Black Management? In the past few years Milan have sold big names like Ibra and Thiago Silva. Not to mention letting Saponara, Darmian, Aubameyang and Pirlo go for cheap money, while renewing for the likes of Muntari, Mexes, Bonera and Zaccardo.

I believe only time will tell if this was the right decision by Galliani and Co.

"Nowadays, Milan fans don’t get to decide anything anymore. Instead, money speaks and decides for itself".



Blanc: "Ibrahimovic will stay here"

Laurent Blanc, PSG's manager, has said that he's "never had any doubts about Zlatan".

Yesterday SportItalia reported that Zlatan had agreed personal terms with AC Milan, a 3-year contract worth €6m per season. Milan now needs to negotiate with PSG, who's manager expect to see Zlatan in the club for the next season as well.

"I've never had any doubts about Zlatan's presence in the next season, he will stay here."





Zlatan Agrees Personal Terms With Milan

Report's out of Italy from SportItalia claim Zlatan Ibrahimovic has agreed personal terms with AC Milan.

The details are that the Swede and Milan have struck a three-year deal worth €6m per season. Alfredo Pedulla (of SportItalia) has stated that Zlatan is only thinking about Milan, as the Paris-St. Germain striker was linked to cross-city rivals Inter Milan this past week.

Milan must now negotiate with Paris-St. Germain over a fee, who are reported to be waiting for a big name attacker to arrive, being linked with Manchester United's Angel Di Maria over the past month. Zlatan's return to Milan looks closer.

Saturday, 11 July 2015

Transfer news: Gabriel to Napoli - PSG bid on Mastour

Napoli have reportedly reached an agreement with Milan to sign goalkeeper Gabriel on loan.

Alfredo Pedulla reports that Milan have reached an agreement with Napoli regarding Gabriel, and that a loan deal could be finalized soon. 

Another player that could be heading out of Milan's squad this summer is Hachim Mastour, who PSG reportedly wants to sign.

Paris Saint Germain have according to Mediaset, offered Milan €5m for Mastour. Milan haven't responded to the offer yet.





Feature: Witsel or Gündogan?

While we were shocked by the departure of 'The Pharaoh', many Milanista are still hoping to hear the future transfer activities of Galliani and co.

As we wait to hear the news of Witsel transfer to Milan, suddenly a new light has emerged in the form of Gundogan, the German international with an excellent CV playing for the mighty Klopp's Dortmund. A player who was instrumental in helping the club to pip Bayern as Bundesliga Champion 2011-2012 and went on to clinch the double.

Now, the question is raised, who is the better player for Milan? In terms of popularity, Axel Witsel's name is more well known in the  world of football.  Especially as he was a part of Belgium's Golden Generation with the likes of Hazard, Fellaini and co. His big money move to Zenit shocked many when he was accused to choose money over quality. His record in Russia is good but not really too impressive. He has played 77 games  and scored 12 goals in a not so competitive league. I remember watching him played in a Europa League game against Newcastle, he was rather subdued and hugely ineffective. Having said that, there was no denying that he's a good player and still 26 years of age, and would be a good addition to our squad. On the other hand,  there is Gundogan, a  less  popular name with an even more excellent CV playing in  one of the top leagues  in the world. Ilkay Gundogan is an excellent midfielder. Describe by Klopp as  a complete and intelligent midfielder, Gundogan has great mobility and compabilty which is why he's caught the eye of Van Gaal who have tried to lure him to Man Utd and he is still trying. He has a tremendous season in 2011-2012 and it continued when he played a pivotal role in taking Dortmund into 2013 UCL final. He is still 24 and more versatile than Witsel. The only downside is that he was injured for a long time last season. However, this doesn't changed the fact that i think he's definitely a better player than witsel and are more suited for Mihailovic's Milan.

Then again, getting both of them wouldn't be so bad either.

Witsel pushing for Milan move

Milan target Axel Witsel is currently in negotiations with his agent and Zenit to try and complete a move to Milan.

"This is not an easy process, but we are working towards completing a move to Milan. Axel has said he wants to measure himself up against a highly-competitive League, one superior to Russia. He wants an exciting experience that can get the most out of his qualities," Witsel's agent, Riccardo Napolitano told FantaGazzeta.

Milan, who reportedly offered €22m + bonuses for Witsel, are currently trying to sign the Belgian midfielder after El Shaarawys departure.

"Zenit are asking for €30m to €35m cash in order to let him leave. Let’s not forget this is a club that has no particular need for liquidity, although we all know what a great director Adriano Galliani is. Sometimes he can make the impossible become possible, so we’ll wait and see what happens."

 "On Monday or Tuesday we’ll have a telephone meeting with the Rossoneri."

Milan have according to Mediaset, offered Zenit €15m + Menez for Witsel.


Mexes: "I'm proud to were the Milan jersey"

Philippe Mexes, who recently renewed his contract with Milan, says he is "proud to be a Milan player".

"Im very proud to were the Milan jersey. I thank the club, Coach and fans who were very close to me, This makes me even more fired up to wear this jersey. I will always give my all and hopefully, we will do much better than last season," Mexes told MilanChannel.

Mexes wasn't included in Mihajlovic's future plans and was set to leave the San Siro side when president Silvio Berlusconi, reportedly offered Mexes a new contract. Mexes's new contract will last until June, 2016.


“For a player at the end of his contract, seeing the affection of the fans builds confidence. I’ve got a good feeling, you can tell we want to do great things.”

Donadoni: "Mauri has a big potential"

Milan recently signed Argentinian midfielder Jose Mauri from bankrupt club Parma, and Mauri's former coach Roberto Donadoni beileves that "he can do well in Milan".

"Its nice to see that Milan are focusing on players like Jose. I think its good and intelligent to try and refresh the squad with young players." Donadoni told MilanNews.

In Mauri's interview with Milan, he compared himself with club icon Gennaro Gattuso, but Donadoni beileves he has different skills.

"I think he has different attributes compared to Gattuso. He has all the potential to do well for the club, but he has to be aware of that this is just the beginning. If he has that attitude, which he showed this season, i think he can become an important player."

Mauri wanted to choose former Gattuso number 8, but choosed 4 instead as Suso wears number 8.

El Shaarawy to sign a 5-year deal with Monaco

El Shaarawy to Monaco is a done deal, with only El Shaarawy's signature missing.

El Shaarawy will sign a 5-year deal worth €3m per season, while Milan will get €16m out of the deal, according to GdS.

Sky reports that El Shaarawy will take his medical and sign his new contract with Monaco on Monday.

Milan will now go all-in to sign Romagnoli and Ibrahimovic.

GdS: Zlatan has agreed personal terms with Milan

GdS claims that Galliani and Raiola have agreed upon the details of Zlatan's contract.

Zlatan will earn €6m + bonuses per year for 3 years in case he returns to Milan. GdS also add that PSG wants €5.5m in order to sell the Swede.

Ibrahimovic, who played for Milan between 2010-2012, looks set to make a return to the club as PSG are willing to let him go.

Friday, 10 July 2015

Transfer news: Milan pushing for Witsel - El Shaarawy close to Monaco

Milan are looking for a midfielder to strenghten the team and reports from SportItalia, claim that Milan are pushing for Axel Witsel.

Update: El Shaarawy could undergo his medical with Monaco on Sunday! [Sky]

Milan are reportedly ready to offer €22m + bonuses for Witsel, and as Witsel himself is pushing for a deal, Zenit could accept Milan's offer. SportItalia are also reporting that Gündogan is an idea, but that no contacts have been made.

Monaco have according to Sky, reached an agreement with Milan for El Shaarawy. Monaco will pay €18-20m for El Shaarawy.

Mihajlovic: "Mexes needs to change his attitude"

After todays 5-1 victory against Alcione, Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic got asked about Mexes's renewal, which was reportedly made by Silvio Berlusconi.

"
It's not true that i didn't want to renew Mexes's contract, and i explained that to him. He is a player of character and did well last season. He can be useful, although we need to buy someone for the defence. He has to change his attitude and he knows that as well," Mihajlovic told Mediaset Premium.

Mihajlovic also got asked about Milan target Alessio Romagnoli, who reportedly has agreed personal terms with Milan.

"Romagnoli is an important player with great potential, but he is not milan's."


Luiz Adriano: "i can't wait to start training with Milan"

Newly signed Luiz Adriano says "it's a dream come true to play for Milan" and that he "can't wait start traning."

"I can't wait to start training with Milan and the other guys. I'm very happy to were the Milan jersey, as it's a club with great history. it's a dream come true, Luiz Adriano told Calciomercato.

Luiz Adriano is currently in Porto Alegre to prepare for the pre-season with Milan in China.

"I'm following a training program i got from the Milan staff. I want to be in the best shape as possible when I join the rest of the squad. Right now i'm waiting for my work permit and visa so i can get into China a take part of the pre-season tour."

"When i think about Milan, it reminds me of all the Brazilians that have played there. I played with Pato at Internacional and he is a good friend of mine."

"My biggest goal is to get more oppertunities in the Brazilian national team, and to get that i need to play well for Milan as well."

BREAKING: Milan wants to sell Mastour

Milan youngster Hachim Mastour has been named as one of the biggest talents in the world and with big clubs interested, Milan would be looking to sell Moroccan.

MilanNews claims that Milan would be willing to sell Mastour for a fee over €5m. One of the big clubs interested are Paris Saint Germain, who reportedly offered €2m, but could be ready to increase that bid.

Thursday, 9 July 2015

Transfer news: Zenit lower demands - new contacts with Roma

Alfredo Pedulla claims that Milan are ready to offer Zenit €22m + bonuses for Axel Witsel. An offer that the Russians could accept. Zenit's asking price is €30m, but as Witsel is pushing the deal, the price could be lowered.

While Milan are close to signing a midfielder, they're still in the chase of signing a defender. According to SportItalia, Milan will make new contacts with Roma on tuesday for Romagnoli. A new bid could be placed.

Sky: Toulouse and Malaga interested in Agazzi

Milan goalkeeper Michael Agazzi looks set to leave the club this summer, mostly because of Abbiati's renewal and Gabriel's return from loan. 

Agazzi hasn't played any Serie A games for Milan so far and with competition from both Diego Lopez and Abbiati, he'll be looking to try his luck in another club for next season.

Sky Sports Italia reports that both Toulouse and Malaga are interested in signing the goalkeeper. Estimated value for the 31-year-old is around €1m.

Hummels: "i'm staying at Dortmund"

Milan target Mats Hummels confirms that he will not leave Borussia Dortmund this summer and that he "will stay there for at least another year"

"There have been many rumours lately, but i decided not to make a move this year," Hummels told reporters in Singapore. 

Hummels has been rumoured to be one of Milan's target and he reveals "it's and honour to have big clubs interested."

"Of course when big clubs are interested, it's always an honour. But i decided to stay here for at least one more season."

Zlatan to Milan - Di Maria to PSG

SportMediaset claims that Di Maria is getting close to PSG and that the team in that case, will play a formation with Di Maria and Cavani as strikers.

This could open up for Zlatan to Milan as PSG needs to find a replacement before selling him, possibly Di Maria. Milan are reportedly ready to offer around €5m for the Swedish striker.

The new stadium - Details

Milan who currently share the San Siro with Inter, recently announced that they've been given green light the build a new stadium next to Casa Milan. 

The stadium's capacity is said to be around 48.000, and looks set to be done for the 2018/2019 season.

In an interview with Football Italia, Barbara Berlusconi said:

"This is the first historic step to make Milan like London. We still need to present the entire project to the institutions for approval. We want this to be a symbol for the city."

"The stadium could bring from €50m to €80m per year. These are resources that could be used to buy new players."

"We will work to discourage private transport and favour public transport. Milan will therefore, be like London."


Mexes's new contract - Details

Yesterday Milan announced on their official website that Mexes has renewed his contract with the club until June 2016. The Frenchman's previous salary was at €4m per season and according to CorSera, his new contract is at €1.5m per season.

Worth to mention is that Mihajlovic actually didn't want to renew Mexes's contract, but that Berlusconi got it renewed at last. Mexes's renewal will probably lead to Alex leaving Milan this summer.

GdS: Milan's top targets:

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Club: Paris Saint Germain
Age: 33
Value: Milan value Zlatan around €5m while PSG wants around €10m for the Swedish striker. Mino Raiola is according to reports in Paris to convince PSG to let Zlatan go for free. SportItalia claims that a deal will only happen in August, as PSG needs to find a replacement. 

2. Alessio Romagnoli
Club: Roma 
Age: 20
Value: The clubs are according to reports, very close of reaching an agreement on  €20m. Calciomercato claims that Milan have agreed personal terms with Romagnoli, and that a deal could be finalized soon.

3 Ikay Gündogan
Club: Borrusia Dortmund
Age: 24
Value: GdS reports that Milan needs to find a midfielder and that Gündogan is high up on their list. The German who recently extended his contract with BVB, has a value around €25m.

Wednesday, 8 July 2015

Sky: Gabriel renews loan contract

Milan goalkeeper Gabriel has according to Sky Sports Italia agreed to extend his loan contract at newly-promoted side Carpi.

The youngster returned to Milan this summer after keeping 23 clean sheets on 38 games in the 2014-2015 season, a new record set by the 22-year-old. Gabriel was a big part of Carpi being promoted to the top division in Italy and as a result of this, Carpi has reportedly reached an agreement with Milan regarding an extension of his loan. A win-win situation for both clubs, as Gabriel gets Serie A experience while helping out Carpi.

Witsel's agent: "My client said yes to Milan"

In an interview with Antenna 3 television, Witsel's agent reveals that his client said yes to Milan, but that the deal fell through as Zenit wanted €30M.


"In the beginning Axel wasn't convinced on moving to Milan, as he wanted to play for a club in the Champions League. However Milan insisted on signing him and finally he said yes."

"Now Milan need to reach an agreement with Zenit. They are prepared to offer €20M but Zenit wants €30m to €35m" Riccardo Napolitano told antenna 3 television.

Milan has also been linked with Dortmund midfielder Ikay Gundogan, who recently renewed his contract with the club. However, GdS reports that Dortmund wants around €25m for him. 


Alex offered to Santos

Milan have according to reports offered Brazilian defender Alex to Santos.

Alex who played for Santos between 2002-2004, could make a return to the club as Milan have offered his services, claim Brazilian reports. The deal proposed is a loan deal.

Milan, under the management of Sinisa Mihajlovic, are currently refreshing the squad with alot of new players which could lead to players leaving for other clubs this summer.

Milan moves for Romagnoli

Milan are looking for a defender to strenghten the team and Romagnoli have been one of the many mentioned.
According to CalcioMercato, Milan already have agreed personal terms with Romagnoli while CorSport, claims that Milan are ready to offer a contract worth €1,5M per season. The pricetag has so far been a issue completing the deal. Roma wants €21M while Milan have offered €18M for the youngster. Many reports beileve that a deal could be closed at €20M. Laporte has also been rumored to Milan, but the high pricetag on €50M made Milan drop the deal.