Seven-time UEFA Champions League winners AC Milan are lining up a move for Nigerian international and Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as a potential alternative to French star Adrien Rabiot, amid uncertainties surrounding their top targets.
Following a disappointing Serie A campaign that saw the Rossoneri finish in 8th place and miss out on European football, the club has initiated a major squad rebuild under newly appointed manager Massimiliano Allegri.
The 57-year-old tactician, who famously led Juventus to five consecutive Scudetti, has returned to the helm of Italian football with the task of restoring Milan’s domestic and continental dominance.
Reports from Football Italia and Sky Sport Italia suggest Milan’s initial focus has been on reuniting Allegri with his former Juventus midfield stalwart Adrien Rabiot.
However, Rabiot is reportedly keen to remain at Olympique Marseille, where he feels settled, and the French club are reluctant to sanction a sale.
Financial hurdles have also emerged in Milan’s pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic and Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko due to high wage demands.
In light of these challenges, Milan’s Sporting Director Igli Tare has begun exploring more affordable alternatives, with Raphael Onyedika emerging as a strong candidate.
According to Milan Reports, Onyedika, who plays for Belgian side Club Brugge, is seen as a dynamic, defensively sound option capable of fitting into Allegri’s midfield plans.
The 24-year-old Super Eagles midfielder is expected to cost the Rossoneri around €25 million, and while talks have not progressed to an advanced stage, interest in the player is intensifying. Milan are not the only club monitoring Onyedika, as West Ham United and several Spanish La Liga sides have also reportedly expressed interest in securing his services this summer.
Milan have also been linked with Lazio’s Matteo Guendouzi and are believed to have a verbal agreement with Real Madrid veteran Luka Modric, although the Croatian’s final decision remains unclear.
With pre-season preparations approaching, Milan are eager to finalise reinforcements that can drive their resurgence, and Onyedika has now firmly entered their radar as a viable option should the Rabiot deal fall through.