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Milan have been linked with a whole host of centre backs as they look to solve their defensive woes. Adam Scime wonders which one the Rossoneri will go for...
Alessandro Nesta’s constant injuries have always left AC Milan with a huge hole in their side, and the centre of defence is significantly weaker without the former Italian international.
Paolo Maldini may still be a fine player, but at the age of 40 he is not as influential as he once was. Kakha Kaladze’s form seems to depend on the day, as the Georgian is capable of both being superb one match and absolutely horrid the next.
Philippe Senderos’ transfer from Arsenal has proven to be a bust due to a combination of injury and inability. Meanwhile, Daniele Bonera has never managed to truly convince as part of the Rossoneri defense.
In fact, the numbers speak for themselves. Milan have conceded 18 goals this season in Serie A - the most of the top six sides in the league and as many as Sampdoria and Siena.
All this has lead to Milan being constantly linked with a number of central defenders, and there seems to be little doubt in the media that Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani will do their utmost to bring one to the San Siro during the winter transfer window.
Club officials have been supposedly scouting both accomplished players and rising stars, and maybe even a few past their prime. Here are some of those they have been linked with over the past few weeks.
Daniel Agger (Liverpool)
The 24-year-old’s future at Liverpool seems to be in jeopardy and he would likely welcome a move. The Danish stopper is not necessarily first choice when everyone is healthy in Merseyside and could add some much needed youth and determination to Milan’s backline. The Rossoneri are rumoured to have tabled a bid for him on Monday.
Cesare Bovo (Palermo)
At the top level with Roma, Bovo never really convinced, but a solid on-loan campaign with Genoa last season saw him become billed as a promising prospect once again. This season his performances at Palermo have been like his club’s, up and down, and he can be a liability at times. The 25-year-old has seven yellow cards already this season. Overall, is he really an improvement over Daniele Bonera?
Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
Italy captain Cannavaro would no doubt be a significant acquisition, but at the age of 35 he is obviously not a long term replacement. He would be a nice short-term solution, but it is unlikely he will leave Real Madrid during the winter transfer window in any case.
Moris Carrozzieri (Palermo)
Another Rosanero player, he could probably be pried away from the Stadio Renzo Barbera for a relatively small transfer fee. Carrozzieri had a fantastic game against Milan in a 3-1 victory this season and I think this is one of the reasons the media have touted him as an option. He is a hard-working veteran, but he is not the quality Milan requires.
William Gallas (Arsenal)
With the rocky relationship between William Gallas and Arsenal, he certainly is a viable option. The French international has both experience and defensive aptitude and would no doubt be an improvement to Milan’s backline if he joined. At 31 his best days may be behind him, but he certainly is not a bad option if the price is right.
Ivan Helguera (No Club)
I will keep this very short, if you can barely crack the line-up at Valencia - you probably won’t get many looks at Milan either. A move to the MLS is more likely for the former Real Madrid utility man.
Philippe Mexes (Roma)
Another Frenchman and a player in the prime of his career. If Milan can put together a bid good enough to tempt the Giallorossi to let him go then it would go a long way towards solving their defensive woes. However, Roma have been adamant that Mexes will be staying where he is.
Fabiano Santacroce (Napoli)
The young Italian has been billed as the heir of the Italy backline. He has contributed to Napoli’s success this season and is a star of the future. He would likely be a very good investment, but an expensive one as Napoli have a tight grip on the 22-year-old.
Goal.com recently had a poll question on the topic and Mexes was the top choice with over 22 percent of the votes, while Agger and Santacroce were also popular.
What are your views on the topic? Which centre back should Milan bring in? Who can add stability to the Rossoneri backline? Who is most likely to arrive? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
Alessandro Nesta’s constant injuries have always left AC Milan with a huge hole in their side, and the centre of defence is significantly weaker without the former Italian international.
Paolo Maldini may still be a fine player, but at the age of 40 he is not as influential as he once was. Kakha Kaladze’s form seems to depend on the day, as the Georgian is capable of both being superb one match and absolutely horrid the next.
Philippe Senderos’ transfer from Arsenal has proven to be a bust due to a combination of injury and inability. Meanwhile, Daniele Bonera has never managed to truly convince as part of the Rossoneri defense.
In fact, the numbers speak for themselves. Milan have conceded 18 goals this season in Serie A - the most of the top six sides in the league and as many as Sampdoria and Siena.
All this has lead to Milan being constantly linked with a number of central defenders, and there seems to be little doubt in the media that Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani will do their utmost to bring one to the San Siro during the winter transfer window.
Club officials have been supposedly scouting both accomplished players and rising stars, and maybe even a few past their prime. Here are some of those they have been linked with over the past few weeks.
Daniel Agger (Liverpool)
The 24-year-old’s future at Liverpool seems to be in jeopardy and he would likely welcome a move. The Danish stopper is not necessarily first choice when everyone is healthy in Merseyside and could add some much needed youth and determination to Milan’s backline. The Rossoneri are rumoured to have tabled a bid for him on Monday.
Cesare Bovo (Palermo)
At the top level with Roma, Bovo never really convinced, but a solid on-loan campaign with Genoa last season saw him become billed as a promising prospect once again. This season his performances at Palermo have been like his club’s, up and down, and he can be a liability at times. The 25-year-old has seven yellow cards already this season. Overall, is he really an improvement over Daniele Bonera?
Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
Italy captain Cannavaro would no doubt be a significant acquisition, but at the age of 35 he is obviously not a long term replacement. He would be a nice short-term solution, but it is unlikely he will leave Real Madrid during the winter transfer window in any case.
Moris Carrozzieri (Palermo)
Another Rosanero player, he could probably be pried away from the Stadio Renzo Barbera for a relatively small transfer fee. Carrozzieri had a fantastic game against Milan in a 3-1 victory this season and I think this is one of the reasons the media have touted him as an option. He is a hard-working veteran, but he is not the quality Milan requires.
William Gallas (Arsenal)
With the rocky relationship between William Gallas and Arsenal, he certainly is a viable option. The French international has both experience and defensive aptitude and would no doubt be an improvement to Milan’s backline if he joined. At 31 his best days may be behind him, but he certainly is not a bad option if the price is right.
Ivan Helguera (No Club)
I will keep this very short, if you can barely crack the line-up at Valencia - you probably won’t get many looks at Milan either. A move to the MLS is more likely for the former Real Madrid utility man.
Philippe Mexes (Roma)
Another Frenchman and a player in the prime of his career. If Milan can put together a bid good enough to tempt the Giallorossi to let him go then it would go a long way towards solving their defensive woes. However, Roma have been adamant that Mexes will be staying where he is.
Fabiano Santacroce (Napoli)
The young Italian has been billed as the heir of the Italy backline. He has contributed to Napoli’s success this season and is a star of the future. He would likely be a very good investment, but an expensive one as Napoli have a tight grip on the 22-year-old.
Goal.com recently had a poll question on the topic and Mexes was the top choice with over 22 percent of the votes, while Agger and Santacroce were also popular.
What are your views on the topic? Which centre back should Milan bring in? Who can add stability to the Rossoneri backline? Who is most likely to arrive? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
