One of the most intriguing elements of the transfer window can be the so-called ‘domino effect’. This is where the actions of one team in the market can set off a chain of events such as Juventus signing Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina and La Viola then buying Arthur Cabral from FC Basel. That prompts Basel to sign a replacement striker, and so on.
There is a chance for a very complicated version of these events to have an effect on AC Milan this summer as the race for Jude Bellingham hots up with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea expected to fight it out in the summer for the young England star’s signature.
Liverpool dropped out of the running recently due to financial reasons, paving the way for Real Madrid who have now emerged as favourites.
How does Jude Bellingham affect AC Milan and Brahim Diaz?
As has been reported by AS in Spain (via SempreMilan.com), Los Blancos are planning a swap deal involving Brahim Diaz in order to land Jude Bellingham. The former Borussia Dortmund player’s price tag has risen to an estimated €150 million and the club are now reportedly looking at ways to reduce the initial cash outlay.
The 14 times European Champions are looking to take advantage of Diaz’s good form this season, with the 23-year-old scoring six goals and assisting three times. The former Manchester City star has been on loan at AC Milan since September 2020, playing 84 times for the Rossoneri and scoring 12 times.
There is no doubt that the Spanish youngster has improved greatly over his period of time at the San Siro and is enjoying his best season this season, making more of an impact in the big games, especially in the Champions League where he scored vs Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16.
Can AC Milan keep or replace Diaz?
It is believed that AC Milan have an agreement with Real Madrid to buy Diaz for €22 million in the summer but due to his recent form and other clubs’ interest, Real Madrid will surely be looking for more than originally agreed.
If Diaz does indeed move to Borussia Dortmund or decide himself to try and break into Real Madrid’s first team, AC Milan will need to replace the technically gifted attacker. One potential replacement for Diaz could be Empoli’s young attacking midfielder Tommasso Baldanzi.
The 20-year-old Italian has impressed this season scoring four goals in 21 Serie A appearances. Baldanzi’s excellent dribbling ability and his eye for goal would make him a welcome replacement for the potentially departing Diaz.
