Manchester City Transfer News: Milan Can't Afford to Lose Zlatan Ibrahimovic

AC Milan has denied reports that Premier League champions Manchester City have inquired about world-class striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to Sky Sports.

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[Milan Vice President Adriano] Gillianai has spoken out quickly to rubbish such rumours and insists Ibrahimovic is focused on winning silverware with the Italian club.

"It is not true that Manchester City asked for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He will win the Champions League with the Milan shirt," Gillianai said.

"We are happy to already be among the 32 in the group stage for next season and hope to soon be back playing a Final rather than being guests."

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Losing Ibrahimovic would be a catastrophic loss for a Milan club whose attack doesn't have much depth.

With Alexandre Pato and other Milan forwards battling injuries often, the club needs a consistent goalscoring presence that can be reliable throughout the course of a long season.

How important is Ibrahimovic to Milan? For starters, he scored 28 league goals this season, which was 18 more than the next highest scorer on the club. He also led the club in Champions League goals with five.

Losing Ibrahimovic without bringing another world-class striker to the club would be a risky move for the Italians, and after losing the Serie A title to rival Juventus, they cannot afford to sell one of their best players.

City's interest in the striker is also a bit puzzling. The club has had little Champions League success throughout their history, and that competition is not Ibrahimovic's strength. He routinely under-performs in high-pressure European matches, which is something City doesn't need.

If reports (via Sky Sports) of City being willing to offer Ibrahimovic £300,000 per week are true, then Milan is doing the champions a favor by saying the Swede will stay in Italy. There's no need to pay a player who oftentimes fails in important games a massive wage.

Ibrahimovic staying at the San Siro is in the best interests of both clubs involved.

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