Newly appointed AC Milan boss Ruben Amorim is working to strengthen his attack with a proven goalscorer this summer and has reportedly identified PSG misfit Goncalo Ramos as his number one target up front.
Amorim had been out of a job following his dismissal at Manchester United back in early January, with the Portuguese’s turbulent reign at Old Trafford brought to a halt after only 14 months.
A return to the Primeira Liga had been mooted as a possibility for Amorim but the 41-year-old would go on to reject Benfica, before setting his sights on a move to the San Siro.
And on Tuesday, an official statement confirmed that Amorim had put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the Serie A giants, with the option of a further season.
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Amorim takes over the reins from Massimiliano Allegri, who was sacked last month after a desperately disappointing campaign in which the Rossoneri finished fifth and failed to secure qualification for the Champions League.
There will be enormous pressure on Amcoorim to hit the ground running in the hot seat – and Milan’s hierarchy are prepared to do everything in their power to help their new manager get off to the best possible start.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Amorim’s arrival has signalled a ‘transfer shift’ at Milan and the ex-United and Sporting boss has ‘already outlined his ideas’ in various discussions with club bosses.
While Amorim is said to be satisfied the squad he has inherited from Allegri, he would ‘naturally be delighted’ to bring in reinforcements to help boost his prospects for the upcoming season.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Ramos has played a bit-part role over the last two years under Luis Enrique and the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has not ruled out the prospect of a summer transfer move for his client.
Ramos indicated he was happy and settled in the French capital only last year, but the forward’s increasingly peripheral position means he ‘might have had a change of heart’, despite PSG’s extraordinary success – with the Portugal international winning 12 pieces of silverware since his arrival.
It’s claimed Amorim is ‘hoping’ this to be the case, with the manager said to be ‘dreaming’ of landing Ramos and ready to welcome his fellow countryman to the San Siro ‘with open arms’.
An initial loan deal with an option or obligation to buy could be the most workable option for Milan given PSG have slapped a hefty €40million (£34.6m) price tag on Ramos.
PSG signed Ramos from Benfica for a fee of €65m (£56.3m) – plus €15m (£13m) in bonuses – three years ago, seeing off strong competition from Manchester United to get their man.
Ramos, who has racked up 45 goals in 131 appearances for PSG, is tied into a contract at the Parc des Princes until June 2028.
In central midfield, Manuel Ugarte and Morten Hjulmand – two players who have worked closely with Amorim – are named as potential targets for Milan, while Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio has been identified as Milan’s ‘preferred choice’ at centre-back.
Milan would, though, have to sell before entering into the transfer market for new recruits and wantaway forward Rafael Leao is viewed as the most best possible solution to raising substantial funds.
There is also some uncertainty surrounding the respective futures of Luka Modric, Mike Maignan, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Youssouf Fofana.
‘There are ambitions that stay with you throughout your career and coaching AC Milan has always been one of mine,’ Amorim told Milan’s official website after his appointment was confirmed.
‘I know exactly what this club means: history, prestige and an extraordinary fanbase around the world.
‘It is a challenge I embrace with pride and enthusiasm, fully aware of what these colours represent.
‘I can’t wait to get started and to experience every day the passion that drives AC Milan.’
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