Milan’s Manchester Shopping Spree: Rashford Pursuit Accelerates, Walker Emerges as Defensive Target

AC Milan’s transfer market ambitions are heating up, with the Rossoneri setting their sights on Manchester for reinforcements. The Italian giants are intensifying their efforts to secure Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, while also expressing interest in Manchester City’s Kyle Walker to bolster their defense.

Gazzetta dello Sport report that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now serving as a senior advisor for RedBird Capital Partners, has given his seal of approval for Rashford. Speaking before Milan’s match against Cagliari, Ibrahimovic praised his former teammate: “I played with him when he was young and he was already very strong. Today he’s a more mature man who has done great things at Manchester United. He can play on the left, right, and in the middle – he makes a difference in all positions.”

Milan’s recent goal-scoring struggles have underlined the need for attacking reinforcements. The team has scored significantly fewer goals than their Serie A rivals, with recent home draws highlighting their offensive limitations. Rashford, with 138 goals for the Red Devils, could provide the firepower Milan desperately needs.

Ibrahimovic’s connection with Rashford, dating back to their time together at Old Trafford from 2016 to 2018, could prove crucial in negotiations. When asked if he had tried to convince Rashford to join Milan, Ibrahimovic responded, “Not yet, we’ll see if we talk. But there’s no need to convince him – Milan is one of the most important clubs in the world, everyone wants to play here.”

To facilitate Rashford’s arrival, Milan is working on offloading Noah Okafor to RB Leipzig, although the deal has hit a slight snag. Rashford’s hefty salary remains a challenge, but Manchester United seems open to a loan deal and potentially contributing to his wages.

In a surprising development, reports from England suggest Milan’s interest in Kyle Walker. The Manchester City defender is reportedly keen on leaving the Premier League in January. While there has been contact between Milan and Walker’s representatives, any move would likely depend on a defensive departure from the Rossoneri squad.

However, Serie A regulations complicate matters, as clubs are not permitted to sign two English players from abroad in the same season. This means Milan would have to choose between Rashford and Walker, with the United forward currently being the priority target.

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