AC Milan Transfers: 8 Potential Additions for January

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AC Milan are in the midst of a transformation due to financial constraints placed on the holding company, Fininvest.

The Rossoneri were forced to sell their two best players this summer: Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic both joined Paris Saint-Germain. This is done in order to balance the books, and despite this, the club still hold ambitions to challenge for the top prizes.

Despite having a limited budget, Milan continue to be linked with numerous players in low-cost and temporary moves.

Here I reveal eight players Milan could potentially acquire in January's transfer window, in order to push for the Scudetto or to hold on to a Champions League spot.

Cesc Fabregas, Barcelona

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Cesc Fabregas is enduring a frustrating start to his second spell with Barcelona, as the former Arsenal maestro struggles to win a place in the starting line-up.

Fabregas is unable to displace Xavi or Andres Iniesta, who operate ahead of another indispensable player, Sergio Busquets.

Alexis Sanchez is finally finding some form, Pedro Rodriguez is rejuvenated and David Villa has returned from injury, which means that Fabregas is frustrated in his efforts to start for Tito Vilanova's Barcelona.

Milan have recently been linked with a loan for the player, which might be unrealistic at this point, as Barcelona's squad is thin and often requires each member in an intense season.

Fabregas will not be prepared to wait his turn for too much longer though and Milan could be a feasible option.

Dede, Vasco Da Gama

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Vasco's Dede is one of the hottest properties in Brazilian football.

The Seleção star is seen as the next Thiago Silva—tall, powerful and dominant at centre-back—with a move to Europe seemingly inevitable in the near future.

Speculation has mounted recently that Dede might be seen as the ideal long-term solution to the Rossoneri's defensive problems, but the Gigante da Colina will hope to hold on to their prized for another year.

Leandro Damiao, Internacional

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Leandro Damiao is now Internacional's most valuable asset, after Oscar was sold to Chelsea this summer.

The Brazilian international enjoyed a terrific Olympic Games, despite the Seleção failing to clinch gold, as he finished top goalscorer with six goals in six matches.

Damiao has been linked with Milan in the past, who were recently in need of a "number nine" forward, but Milan then signed Giampaolo Pazzini.

The Azzurri international will not solve the problem indefinitely though and Milan may yet return for the 23-year-old.

Denilson, Arsenal (on Loan to São Paulo)

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Denilson is in need of a permanent transfer as his career has stalled since his return to Brazil.

The Brazilian has been rumoured to be trying to cut short his loan spell with São Paulo and join Milan on a permanent basis. 

Denilson has been frozen out of Arsenal's plans and is with the Serie A club for a second season on loan, but the former Brazil under-17 international will eventually look to move back to Europe for a fresh start, perhaps the Rossoneri will be prepared to offer him this.

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Montpellier

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Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is a huge talent, who starred in the Montpellier side who won an unlikely Ligue 1 title last season.

The France international was strongly linked with Arsenal this summer, but has his heart set on a move to Milan, according to the Metro.

The defender is valued highly, more than the £4.8 million that the Rossoneri bid this summer, but it will not be long before a club agrees a fee for the 23-year-old.

Edin Dzeko, Manchester City

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Edin Dzeko does not appear to figure in Roberto Mancini's long-term plans at Manchester City, after Carlos Tevez was reinstalled in to the first team.

The Bosnian international is behind Sergio Aguero and probably Mario Balotelli too, which means that he will be mainly used from the bench.

Dzeko is too good to accept this role for too much longer and a move to Milan would be a nice fit, with the Mail reporting that the Rossoneri made a £20 million approach.

Kaka, Real Madrid

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Kaka's future at Real Madrid appears to be all but over after Los Blancos signed Luka Modric from Spurs.

The Brazilian has not been able to reach the heights that he once did with Milan and he has been linked with a return to the Rossoneri.

Financial terms did not seem to be possible to be agreed upon this summer, but it is likely that Kaka's exit will be discussed again in January.

Giuseppe Rossi, Villarreal

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Giuseppe Rossi is currently in the process of returning from a second serious knee injury.

A career that was destined for great things has now stalled, but Europe's biggest clubs continue to monitor his second comeback.

Milan were linked with Rossi this summer, but it appears that the Rossoneri will wait to see whether Rossi can rediscover his best form again before revisiting the situation.

It will be fascinating to see Rossi continue his career with the Yellow Submarines in the Segunda Division and whether he can secure a move to Serie A, where his career would surely prosper.

 

Jack Alexandros Rathborn is a football analyst for Football Radar, covering Italy's Serie A. You can follow him on Twitter; @jackrathborn and @FRcalcioJack.