Milan’s directors are expected to meet with their Sassuolo counterparts to discuss a deal for winger Domenico Berardi. The Rossoneri are looking to strengthen their squad next season and have reportedly identified Berardi as a key target.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Milan staff have identified critical issues with their attack and were already looking to the transfer market in January but failed to find any opportunities.
Club directors are now working to aid the ‘tactical metamorphosis’ of coach Stefano Pioli, who is now increasingly convinced of switching to a 4-3-3 instead of the tried and tested 4-2-3-1 next season. With that in mind, Berardi has become a key target.
Gazzetta suggest that a meeting between Milan management and Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali is imminent, with the Rossoneri expected to discuss Berardi’s availability.
Sassuolo are asking for at least €30m for their talisman, a figure that will fall outside of Milan’s parameters, so the Rossoneri are expected to ask for a loan with a series of bonus payments, similar to the deal that saw Manuel Locatelli join Juventus.
Gazzetta stress that Berardi is very well liked by all at Milanello, escpeically by Pioli who had put him at the top of his list a year ago. For his part, the idea of testing himself at a top-tier club attracts Berardi.
Milan are also monitoring other names alongside, including Dutch player Noa Lang, and Charles De Ketelaere, the 21-year-old Belgian international.
The club will also need to assess the future of Brahim Diaz who has fallen below expectations this season. Brazilian Junior Messias is in a similar situation, as the club retain the right to redeem from Crotone for €4m, but the decision is expected to be taken later.
