Whilst the winter mercato only closed earlier this month, planning has already begun for the summer, and a report has suggested that AC Milan could make a move for one of their long-term targets.
With Stefano Pioli reverting to the 4-2-3-1 in recent weeks, the lack of an attacking midfielder has shone, and whilst Ruben Loftus-Cheek has played there often, he has not made the role his own, with doubts remaining about his ability to play there.
As such, reinforcement in the position would be welcomed, and La Gazzetta dello Sport (via PianetaMilan) have reported that the Rossoneri may look to finally add Nicolo Zaniolo to their ranks in the summer market.
The attacking midfielder reportedly ‘wants a return to Serie A’, and there are three clubs who are interested in facilitating his return: Juventus, Fiorentina, and, of course, Milan.
He is currently on loan with Aston Villa, and whilst there is a buy clause in his deal, his lack of playing time makes it difficult for a deal to happen. Therefore, if the English club do not activate this clause, he will return to Galatasaray and hope to be sold immediately.
There is a stumbling block, though. It is unlikely that after the past few years, any of the interested clubs will be willing to take the leap and purchase him outright, so a loan move with an option to buy would likely be favoured by all three clubs.
