Report: Chelsea Midfielder Still in Milan Sights | OneFootball

Milan’s Midfield Crisis: Seeking Solutions Amidst Transfer Speculation

Milan’s season is at a critical juncture, with no room for error on or off the pitch. The Curva Sud management has made it clear that the club is facing its first major crossroads of the campaign, and now it’s up to manager Paulo Fonseca and Milan’s key figures like Ibrahimovic, Moncada, and Furlani to find the tactical answers to a midfield problem made worse by Ismael Bennacer’s serious injury.

The winter transfer market is still months away, but Milan cannot afford to be unprepared. The Rossoneri management is already exploring potential reinforcements to bolster the team’s midfield options. “Work will soon begin to bring one or two new elements to the midfield battery,” CalcioMercato reported.

Cardoso and the American Connection

One name back in the frame is Johnny Cardoso, the American midfielder currently playing for Betis Sevilla. According to CalcioMercato, Cardoso had hoped for a call from Milan last summer when their sporting director, Geoffrey Moncada, showed interest. Though Milan eventually opted for Yossouf Fofana, the door isn’t closed for Cardoso, as Milan “has every intention of starting contacts” once again.

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Cardoso, born in 2001, is versatile enough to play both in a two-man midfield or as a mezzala in a three-man setup. Physically imposing and technically adept, he already knows Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah well from the US national team, a factor that could help him settle quickly. Milan’s close relationship with his agent, who also represents Tottenham’s Emerson Royal, could be a crucial link in negotiations.

Chukwuemeka: Milan’s English Option

Milan’s scouting team has also set its sights on Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka. The talented 2003-born midfielder has struggled to find playing time at Stamford Bridge, and a move to Milan could offer him a fresh start.

The Rossoneri had previously shown interest in Chukwuemeka on the final day of the transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise. Now, with his desire to leave Chelsea growing stronger, “the time seems ripe” for Milan to reignite their pursuit. Chukwuemeka’s offensive qualities could provide the dynamic option Milan needs, offering something different from the more physical presence of Cardoso.

Our View – EPL Index

From a fan’s perspective, there’s an air of cautious optimism surrounding Milan’s transfer activity. With the club already in a challenging situation due to Bennacer’s injury, supporters are understandably concerned about the depth of the squad. However, the potential arrivals of players like Cardoso and Chukwuemeka offer a glimmer of hope.

The idea of Cardoso linking up with his US teammates, Pulisic and Musah, adds an exciting dynamic to the squad. His ability to play in multiple midfield roles gives Milan much-needed flexibility. The relationship with his agent could indeed smooth out negotiations, and the fans would welcome a player with such familiarity with key members of the team.

Chukwuemeka, on the other hand, presents a tantalising proposition. A young player who has struggled for minutes at Chelsea, he may arrive in Italy with a point to prove. His attacking attributes could be just what Milan need to inject creativity into their midfield, especially as they look to challenge on multiple fronts this season. However, there’s always the risk that he might not adapt quickly to Serie A, especially given his limited experience in a competitive first-team environment.

The fans will be eager to see how these potential moves play out, but one thing is certain: Milan cannot afford to get these decisions wrong.