This time of the year is always a difficult one. Continually our emotions are swayed one way and the other as rumours about players come and go. After last seasons’ Scudetto triumph many Milan fans are now hoping that success can be translated into European success. Indeed, these are the intentions of the club expressed through the words of Adriano Galliani.

Yet, as we have seen from the Audi Cup, this Milan side have much work to do. Furthermore, realistically, unless the proverbial Mr. X arrives ideally along with Mr. Y than even after preseason preparations are complete this Milan side will struggle to take on the big boys of European football, like Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Instead of reflecting on the latest transfer rumours that tomorrow will be undone by alternative headlines, I thought it timely to have some fun by voicing three dream signings that the club will not make. It is fantasy calcio.

Fantasy Signing Number 1: The Argentine would be the perfect trequartista for Milan. His three years in Italy with Palermo have been hugely successful hence his meteoric rise to the top of the football stratosphere which may see him signed by English giants Chelsea this summer. Reminiscient of Kaka, Pastore has the ability to glide past defenders while he also has great vision aided by an equally capable passing ability. Playing behind Pato and Ibrahimovic, he would help Milan boast one of the most dangerous attacks in Europe.

If money was no object, Pastore would be a better solution Ganso. He offers more guarantees after already proving himself in the Serie A with a smaller club. Young and with immense potential that has not been realised, his talents would be given the chance to shine with Milan. The only sticking point with Pastore is that he is not Brazilian, yet, I am sure Milan’s Brazilian contingent would still be their utmost welcoming if such a star player arrived at the Milanello.

Fantasy Signing Number 2: Cesc Fabregas

The Arsenal captain is not a traditional number ten so room for him could still be made if Pastore arrived. He would fit seamlessly into the left side of Milan’s midfield trio alongside Mark van Bommel and Kevin Prince Boateng.

Fabregas would be perfect for such a role because he is an excellent all round midfielder. He would ensure goals and assists whilst providing defensive cover too. Along with Mark van Bommel, he would help dictate the game from the heart of midfield leaving Pastore able to concentrate on providing the magic in the attacking third. Also possesses a strong and determined character that along with the absence of club trophies in his career his motivation with a club like Milan could not be questioned.

Fantasy Signing Number 3: Daniele De Rossi

If you have not noticed yet it is in midfield that I feel Milan need the most strengethening. Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini are both past their best and even in their prime were rather one dimensional players. Even Mark van Bommel is getting on in age despite possessing still an abundance of class.

Daniele De Rossi would be a great addition to the club. Able to play the holding central defensive midfielder, De Rossi also knows how to get forward which is why he would be equally at home on the right side of midfield. In this role he would have the license to push forward. The Italian international is also strong and would add much steel to the midfield while he is a more than capable passer of the ball. A natural leader, alongside Fabregas and Pastore he would help the club form a midfield to be feared.