SERIE A
AC Milan's new owners look to shake things up
Milan legend Leonardo has come in as sporting director to negotiate the exit of Bonucci and the signing of Higuain, while Italian media claim Antonio Conte will replace Gatusso as coach.
AC Milan is starting from scratch under Elliot Management. The new owners, who took control of the club earlier this month, have already shaken up the boardroom and are now also looking at shaking up the sporting staff.
After having sacked CEO Marco Fassone and sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli, Elliot has chosen Leonardo to head up the sporting direction, and the ex-Brazil and Milan midfielder has already been put to work.
Bonucci and Higuain
His first negotiation meeting will be surrounding Leonardo Bonucci, who wants to return to Juventus hardly a year since he left the club to join Milan – something which has caused some bewilderment in Italy. Apparently, Juventus would be willing to reopen the door to its prodigal son, and, in exchange, would offer up defender Mattia Caldara.
The two Serie A rivals have also reportedly began talks on Gonzalo Higuaín’s possible switch to Milan; while Italian media reports are also claiming that Antonio Conte will replace current coach Gennaro Gattuso this season or next.
Donnarumma and Reina
Without Mirabelli, who had a complicated relationship with agent Mino Raiola, it is now more likely that Gianluigi Donnarumma will stay in Milan. If the Italian goalkeeper confirms he will stay, Milan could think about letting go of Pepe Reina, who recently arrived from Napoli as a free agent.
Chelsea will soon lose Thibault Courtois to Real Madrid, and Reina was on the list of possible replacements. The Blues’ new coach Maurizio Sarri worked with the ex-Liverpool shot-stopper at Napoli and the two are said to have a spectacular relationship. Sarri, therefore, would be only delighted to work with him again at Stamford Bridge.
However, according to what AS has learned, the Spanish keeper has yet to receive a call from London. And after having just moved his family to settle into a new life in the north of Italy, it would seem unlikely that his Milan adventure would be called to a halt before it even begins. But in the transfer market, nothing is impossible.
