Former Italy striker Luca Toni feels Daniele De Rossi was the only one who could replace José Mourinho and Roma and feels Milan should try to sign Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez: ‘If he doesn’t want to stay on the bench…’
Former Serie A Capocannoniere Toni, a 2006 World Cup winner with Italy, has a very clear idea about who Milan should sign to replace Olivier Giroud.
The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker will leave San Siro at the end of his contract in June, joining LAFC on a free transfer.
Joshua Zirkzee and Benajmin Sesko have been linked with a move to Milan, but Toni feels the Rossoneri should look elsewhere.
Toni tells Milan to sign Man City or Real Madrid stars
“If Julian Alvarez no longer wants to stay on the bench, he’d be an established player who is accustomed to winning,” the ex-striker told Tuttosport newspaper on page 18 on Wednesday.
“I would sign players under contract with top clubs who don’t have enough playing time. See what Milan did with Pulisic. This is what comes to my mind when I think of Rodrygo. I would immediately sign him if he were to leave Real Madrid. With Mbappé joining Madrid, there will be competition on the wings, so it would be better to be a protagonist at Milan. I’d join a top club like Milan rather than stay on the bench at another club.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will have a key role in Milan’s transfer strategy and the decision on the new coach. The Swede was named RedBird’s advisor in December 2023. Does the new role suit him?
“I don’t know, it’s one of those roles where he is not the champion that he used to be, but let me explain,” Toni replied.
“We have to see if he likes it. He is an important presence who can give motivation and valuable advice, but unfortunately for Milan, he won’t go on the pitch.”
Toni: ‘Only De Rossi could replace Mourinho’
How about Toni’s ex-teammate, De Rossi? The former midfielder replaced Mourinho in January and will soon sign a contract extension at the Stadio Olimpico.
“He had always wanted to become a coach and was the only one who could replace Mourinho at Roma and withstand the impact,” said Toni.
“He is doing well; he has given an identity to the team, but expectations will be higher next season, and you have to see if the club will match his demands in the transfer window.”
Great ideas, Luca. How do you propose funding them?