CHINA TOPIX

12/22/2024 10:38:11 pm

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China Football: Milan could pursue Juan Cuadrado, Axel Witsel after Chinese takeover

Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado on loan to Juventus last season

(Photo : Getty Images) AC Milan could pursue Chelsea’s Juan Cuadrado and Zenit Saint Petersburg’s Axel Witsel this summer now that I Rossoneri is under Chinese ownership.

Recent reports are out that Italian Serie A squad AC Milan could pursue Chelsea's Juan Cuadrado and Zenit Saint Petersburg's Axel Witsel in the summer transfer window now that I Rossoneri is under Chinese ownership.

Other accounts also said that the Red and Blacks could also target Chelsea striker Diego Costa this summer even though new Blues head coach Antonio Conte is insistent that the Spanish goalscorer will not leave the Stamford Bridge anytime soon.

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Football Italia reported that "the new ownership's injection of cash allows Milan to pursue Zenit St Petersburg's Axel Witsel, plus Chelsea's Juan Cuadrado" before the Italian transfer window closes at the end of the month.

The team had been "paralyzed" in the market during the said time period while waiting for the completion of its sale to the Sino-Europe Sports Investment Management Changxing, a rich Chinese consortium, for €740 million plus €220 million in debt. The Chinese group also promised to invest €350 million in the next three years for the development of the club.

The report further noted that "joint-CEO Adriano Galliani can count on €15m immediately and another €85m within the next 35 days, which will be reinvested on the market". With that money, Milan can now pursue their top targets this summer.

The 27-year-old Witsel had been eyed by new Milan head coach Vincenzo Montella as his top midfield priority in this window and it looks like a bid for the Zenit midfielder will be underway.

The Belgium international, who is also rumored to be targeted by top Italian clubs including reigning Serie A champs Juventus and contenders Napoli and Roma, is said to be keen on moving to Italy from Russia.

Meanwhile, Soccerlens indicated that Cuadrado is also being eyed by Montella as his priority signing to boost his attacking options for next season. Milan is said to be preparing to bid €25 million to the Stamford Bridge giants for the 28-year-old winger this summer.

Cuadrado spent most of last season on loan to Juventus, appearing in 28 Italian top flight games and scoring four times en route to a Scudetto.

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