Milan Should Sign Both Michael Ballack and Joe Cole

It is well known that Milan are not in the financial position to adequately revamp their aging squad this summer. But, at the same time, it is vital that they at least attempt to inject some much needed quality into their squad if Berlusconi and Galliani have any desire for Milan to succeed next season.

Principally for these two reasons it makes sense that Milan should attempt to sign both Michael Ballack and Joe Cole. Both of these players will leave Stamford Bridge this summer as the club opted not to offer them extensions on their contracts.

As a result, both of these players can be bought free under the Bosman rule, and for a financially tight Milan, this is more than ideal.

Admittedly, both players will demand high wages. However, both players still have much to offer.

Joe Cole is a stylish and creative midfielder. Able to play in various positions, his ability to be employed on the wings or in the center of the park will make him a useful player to whoever finally becomes Milan's coach next season.

Cole is also a technically gifted player which will make him highly suited to Serie A. In addition, his lack of strength will not be a problem in Serie A like it has been for him in the EPL, a league still characterised mainly by strength and power.

Currently, there is a severe shortage of quality and depth in the Milan midfield. Cole's addition would go a long way to solving this problem. Furthermore, with Ronaldinho's Milan future looking more uncertain with every passing day, Cole's presence could help alleviate the loss of Ronaldinho, if indeed the Brazilian does depart this summer.

As for Michael Ballack, at the age of 33 years old, he may not be the ideal signing for a Milan side that already has its fair share of players on the wrong side of 30. However, Ballack is still a highly useful and effective player, evidenced by his 36 appearances for Chelsea last season on their route to lifting both the FA Cup and the Premier League trophies.

At the season's end, Ballack contributed six goals and eight assists despite been played as a more defensive midfielder in Ancelotti's Chelsea side because of the absence of Mikel and Essien for large parts of the season.

There is no doubting that Ballack is a world-class player, and even though he may be getting on in age, he showed few signs of slowing down during his last season with Chelsea.

Strong in the tackle and the air, Ballack is a commanding presence in the midfield. He is also a great passer of the ball, able to create goals for his teammates, and a very strong character mentally. 

Though his career has been littered with success and achievement, the biggest prizes in football have eluded the inspirational German, the Champions League included. For this reason, he remains as hungry as ever—even at 33 years old—and such hunger is something missing in the current Milan side that is full of players that players that have literally won everything.

Both Ballack and Cole would be highly useful additions to the current Milan squad. With Milan needing to seriously strengthen their squad this summer with limited financial resources, attempts to sign Ballack and Cole should be seriously considered by the Milan hierarchy.