Both on their way to Milan?

The best is yet to come from Milan in this year’s transfer window. Well, at least this is the hope. Last year the club made a very late double swoop for Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and both these players were central figures in the club’s first Scudetto triumph since 2004, especially the latter.

So far this summer Milan have acquired Taye Taiwo, Philippe Mexes, Stephen El Shaarawy and Ricardo Ferreira. While these players will add depth to the side and much promise in the case of El Shaarawy and Ferreira, none of these players will increase the level of Milan to that required to challenge for the Champions League.

Just as last year the two star additions in Robinho and Ibrahimovic proved sufficient to claim domestic glory, in order to have a realistic chance at continental glory another two star players need to be added.

Numerous names have been bandied about but if two new players do arrive there is a good chance that Riccardo Montolivo will be one with one of either Ganso or Pastore the other. The opinion here is that Ganso, considering both financial and on field matters, is the better option. Yet, Pastore would be a great addition too and rumours are still circulating that he could be the one Andrea Galliani is working on.

With the addition of Montolivo and Ganso/Pastore than Milan’s first choice midfield for next season will look like this.

Such a midfield will at least give Milan a fighting chance in Europe’s premier competition. However, even with the likes of Robinho, Cassano and Ibrahimovic, the side will still not be considered one of the favourites, especially given the strengths of Barcelona and Real Madrid and the English contingent who continue to dominate the Champions League on an annual basis.

Nevertheless, with either Ganso or Pastore in the trequartista role Milan will boast a player who is able to change the course of games with either their creative ability or scoring prowess. Though in truth, Ganso will probably take some time before being able to make a real difference at continental level given his lack of experience in European football which is why if the club is aiming for instant success in the Champions League, Pastore’s three years in Italy have probably prepared him better.

Both Boateng and Montolivo would help form a dynamic and strong midfield alongside the hard hitting van Bommel. Last season Boateng was a revelation for Milan as he proved a real force going forward. Yet, the Ghanaian is strong defensively also, which is why playing in the midfield three behind the trequartista is a more ideal role for him.

If Montolivo is lured from la Viola, he will be a great presence in the midfield for similar reasons as to Boateng. Monty, for short, is capable both defensively and offensively. Once hailed as the heir to Pirlo, Monty is not quite as influential in creating play and goal scoring chances as the former Milan great, which is why he is more suited to playing a supporting role in midfield rather than directing play from the anchor position or to leading the line further up behind the strikers.

Mark van Bommel impressed in his short spell with the Rossoneri last season hence why he has been signed on for another year. The Dutchman is most able defensive midfielder and his continued presence in the side is a plus. However, for a side posturing to challenge on the European stage next season, his age and proneness to being sent off could cause problems for Max Allegri.

If Milan’s midfield does line up like for next season as presented here it will no doubt be a huge improvement. Milan will certainly have the means to retaining the Scudetto. However, this midfield four does possess its shortfalls. In addition, if any one of these players is unavailable, there is not a great deal of depth in the squad. Names such as Massimo Ambrosini and Gennaro Gattuso alongside the highly inconsistent Mathieu Flamini are not overly reassuring when one considers that Milan will have to face teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid next season. Lets hope El Shaarawy hits the floor running like Kaka did and maybe things could be different.