Willian To AC Milan? Sounds Like A Good Move And Here’s Why
AC Milan have struggled so far this season after spending a huge amount overhauling their squad in the summer. The club spent heavily this past summer, which included the signing of eleven new players but boss Vincenzo Montella is clinging on to his job at the Italian outfit after amassing just 19 points in 12 games.
As January approaches, rumours of Milan reinforcing the squad further are circulating, and one of the names being reported is Chelsea and Brazil star, Willian.
According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Montella is trying to revive their season by signing the Brazilian. Willian has been linked with a move away from the club in recent days.
The 29-year-old winger was a regular starter under former boss Jose Mourinho, however, has fallen down the pecking order in Conte’s squad. He started just 15 Premier League games last season as the Blues cruised to their 5th Premier League title.
The story has been quite similar this season too. While Willian has appeared in every Premier League and Champions League game so far this campaign, he’s made a total of just 7 starts in the 15 possible games. The lack of game time has prompted him to think about leaving Stamford Bridge.
While it looks likely Willian is heading for the exit door, Milan are reportedly ready to bring him in January to breathe life into their season. On the other hand, Chelsea, who have had a mixed start to their season are after out of favour PSG winger Lucas Moura in January.
Signed from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013, the £28.8m rated Willian has enjoyed rich success at Chelsea, having won 2 Premier League titles and a League Cup in just 4 seasons. He has made just 7 starts this season and needs to leave the club in order to get more first-team opportunities.
For such a talented player, the Brazilian deserves more than just watching football from the sidelines; he deserves to be on the flank stealing the show and giving the defenders a tough time. And there is no better fit than Milan, who are once again trying to be the dominant force in Italy as well as in Europe.
Despite making 11 signings, including the likes of experienced pros Leonardo Bonucci and Lucas Biglia, Milan’s summer transfer business was hit and miss. While Bonucci has struggled in defence, Biglia, after four successful seasons with Lazio, is taking time to settle in the midfield alongside Frank Kessie.
The Rossoneri are lacking a personality, as ex-Juventus stalwart Bonucci has failed to transmit nothing to the group. Nikola Kalinic arrived from Fiorentina and regardless of impressing during two seasons in Florence, he is not firing in enough goals. Andre Silva, signed from Porto, has also not impressed.
Milan’s hopes were also pinned on the creative talents of Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkey international was formidable in his three seasons with Leverkusen but three months into the new season and the attacking midfielder appears to be struggling in his new environment. Calhanoglu is primarily known for his set-pieces but has supplied just one assist so far.
While Montella has to be accused of all failings at Milan, there is also a case to suggest that the squad isn’t yet complete. The Rossoneri lack some real creative quality in attacking areas which makes Willian’s signing an enticing one.
The 29-year-old’s productivity is what Milan are sorely missing. This is where they will get the creativity and skill of Willian. He would be doing that from the flanks, creating more chances for Andre Silva and Nikola Kalinic to feast on.
The Milan team currently sit 7th in Serie A, 13 points adrift of league leaders, Napoli. This is not where the club should be and Montella knows it. He is on borrowed time and has to start delivering positive results to be in charge of the great club. And come January, if the opportunity arrives, he should not think twice about signing Wiilian.