AC Milan have stepped up their pursuit of Torino talent Samuele Ricci and are in talks with the 23-year-old ahead of a potential move to the San Siro, according to reports.
Ricci has been pivotal to Torino and has played in all 19 games so far this season. He has also captained the side in their last two games against Udinese and Parma. His impressive performances this season have not gone unnoticed, and AC Milan have made him their top target in midfield as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Italian is already in advanced talks with the seven-time European champions. The Rossoneri are reportedly making “concrete progress” in negotiations and hope to sign their main midfield target in June ahead of next season.
The Italian international recently signed a new three-year contract extension with Torino, seeing his deal with the Serie A side expire in 2028. With several clubs, such as Manchester City, reportedly interested, it could be argued that this is a move to keep his transfer value high ahead of the summer window.
What type of player is Ricci?
Ricci plays in centre midfield, often operating in a deeper role, and has impressed this season with his elegant displays. The former Empoli man is a well-rounded midfielder and has been brilliant both in and out of possession this season.
Defensively, the 23-year-old is vital. He possesses a good level of aggression, winning 57.5% of his duels this season. Additionally, he has made an impressive total of 14 interceptions, highlighting his good positional sense.
On the ball, Ricci displays his more elegant side. The Milan target is a fantastic passer and displays impressive vision. So far this campaign, he has completed 668 passes with an accuracy of 89.2%, creating seven chances in the process.
He is also extremely comfortable in possession and wins a significant number of fouls. So far this season, he has won an astonishing 40 fouls which is largely down to his fantastic ball control and composure with the ball at his feet.
Would AC Milan be a good move?
A move to the San Siro could prove to be extremely beneficial to the midfielder’s development. It is not unreasonable to suggest that the Torino talent will be eager to make the progression and play for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Playing for AC Milan would likely expose Ricci to European competition, therefore providing him with a platform to play on the biggest stages. Playing for Milan would also likely bring more opportunities to win silverware. The Rossoneri won a trophy as recently as Monday, beating rivals Inter Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana final.
Regarding game time, the form of Milan’s midfielders Tijjani Reijnders and Youssouf Fofana could make things tricky for Ricci. The duo have been crucial to Milan this season so the Torino midfielder could potentially struggle for regular chances at first. However, with Reijnders being linked with a move away, Ricci could potentially prove to be an integral part of Milan’s midfield next season.
The move could also largely benefit Torino due to the midfielder’s recent contract extension. The extension means clubs will likely have to pay more for the Italian’s services. With a rumoured valuation of €30m, it could be argued a move would be largely beneficial to all parties.