Last summer, AC Milan were the talk of the transfer window, splashing the cash like there was no tomorrow in order to restore the club to its former glories. As new Chinese owner Yonghong Li promised the earth, eyebrows were raised as general manager Marco Fassone revealed that the funding for the ambitious project was based on the extra funding supplied by reaching the Champions League and generating revenue through marketing in the Far East.
As no-one was completely convinced by a business plan that was centred around the unpredictable nature of matters on the pitch, it did eventually transpire that the investor did not possess the funds required to run a football club of Milan’s stature and a disaster was averted when US hedge fund Elliott took over the reigns. They were owed money by Li and – when he reneged on his payments – were able to repossess the club as a way of seizing back their assets.
Supporters were quite rightly concerned, but with the signing of Gonzalo Higuain from Juventus, the new proprietors have proven that they are not the type to simply strip all the assets and sell the club off cheaply. For this reason, when reports emerged that Arsenal were set to make a £30 million bid for talented left-back Ricardo Rodriguez, it’s easy to see why some may think it would be immediately accepted.
Reports suggest that new Gunners boss Unai Emery is facing a crisis in defence, having recently lost Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac to injury, sparking rumours that the former Paris Saint Germain boss would come in for Rodriguez, a Swiss international.
#welcomeRodriguez
In four appearances at this summer’s World Cup, the 25-year-old put in solid defensive performances in his four appearances as a Switzerland regular – averaging two tackles and 1.8 clearances per match – also demonstrating his attacking prowess with 2.8 crosses, 1.8 shots and 1.8 dribbles per game to compete his all round displays. No wonder then, that teams such as Arsenal and indeed rivals Tottenham have seemingly taken an interest in this player, but the problem is that he may not be for sale.
“He’s happy in Milan, he wanted Milan and he loves the city. Milan are second in Europe for [Champions League] titles won and he’s happy to be here, declared agent Gianluca Di Domenico at the end of June.
“If an offer comes in from a team that has a chance to win the Champions League then it would be legitimate for both Milan and the player to evaluate that option, but Ricardo won’t leave Milan easily.”
It doesn’t seem like Arsenal fit within that select mould of clubs at the moment, and ignoring the current plight of the Rossoneri, they remain a huge name in European football.
“Leaving aside the period Milan are going through, this remains one of the biggest clubs in Europe,” the representative continued.
“Even outside of European competition, playing for Milan is a very important thing. There are teams playing in Europe that will never have the value Milan has."
This is exactly why Elliott have invested in a top-class striker such as Higuain and why they are seemingly keen to keep the players on board that they already have. An AC Milan in the Champions League brings so much added value due to the worldwide attention this event would bring, making the brand more profitable whether they decide to keep hold of the club or sell it on for a substantial fee.
Arsenal may therefore have to turn their attention elsewhere as they look for cover in defence, as last season’s Europa League opponents look to push on and leave their troubles behind them.
