AC Milan declares Caldara surplus to requirement, negotiates with Bennacer

 

Milan seems to have declared defender Mattia Caldara surplus to requirement.

This follows a report from Football Italia that described him as an ‘unneeded’ defender.

But all that could end as Spezia have emerged to register their interest in signing the 28-year-old Italian center-back.

Caldara had spent last season on loan with Venezia, and his work wasn’t enough to help them avoid relegation.

Since Venezia dropped to Serie B, he has returned to Milanello. This has forced Rossoneri to find a new home for the player.

Tuttosport also reports that Spezia are keen to pick him up this summer as talks between the Ligurian side and Milan are now ongoing.

This means a deal could be reached relatively soon, possibly including young talents Kelvin Amian and Jakub Kiwior.

Caldara still has a year left on his Milan contract. This means a loan departure this summer would spell the end of his time with the Rossoneri.

Caldara was once seen as one of Italy’s most promising young defenders. Juventus paid €19m to Atalanta for his service in 2017.

Unfortunately, he never made a first-team appearance for the Bianconeri before being sold to Milan in 2018 for €36.8m.

After battling serious injuries that ultimately derailed his career, he sadly failed to live up to his potential.

In another development, Milan are negotiating with Ismael Bennacer’s representatives regarding a contract renewal.

Meanwhile, his salary request has been made clear, having been a consistent figure in Stefano Pioli’s midfield last season. The Algerian international made 40 appearances across all competitions.

Sensing that he looks set to remain part of this rejuvenated Rossoneri squad for years, the Serie A champions quickly want to tie him to a new deal despite having two more years on his current deal.

Calciomercato.com reports that Bennacer currently earns around €1.7m net per season. Now, he’s asking Milan for a wage bump to €3.5m in his new contract.

The good news is that both parties want to move forward together, and they plan to iron out an agreement before the start of the season.

 

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed