Several names have been mentioned by multiple reports throughout the week including Roma's Mattia Destro, Liverpool's Fabio Borini and the now frontrunner to fill the vacant centre-forward role, Chelsea's Fernando Torres. After Destro's asking price exceeded what Milan wanted to dish out, he was ruled out. Borini, although a player Milan liked, wasn't considered a player the club was convinced with as he has been disappointing with both Liverpool and Sunderland who he played for last season on loan. So, Fernando Torres is the favorite to be Milan's number 9, also the number he wore for Liverpool when he was in the best form of his career. Let's discuss Milan's potential new signing.
Fernando Torres ( now 30 years old) has been nothing short of a disappointment since arriving to Chelsea in January 2011 for a record £50M fee from Liverpool. At the time of the move, "El Niño was 26 and despite the major leg injury he suffered around the time of the World Cup 2010, he was still one of the world's best at his position. There is no need to go into detail how bad he has been at Chelsea. All you need to know is that he has scored a grand total of 20 league goals in 110 matches. That is about 1 goal every 5.5 matches which isn't exactly impressive when you factor in his past scoring rate. What is perhaps more shocking is that he is still with Chelsea, particularly because they are a rich club who don't hesitate to go out and spend to reinforce the squad. Now that Demba Ba has been sold to Besiktas, Drogba has returned from Galatasaray and the big arrival of Diego Costa as the main hit man, Torres has finally been shown the door as he is no longer an option for Mourinho.
Of course, Milan need a striker and Chelsea want to allow one to leave. Seems like a match made in heaven for Berlusconi and Galliani right? Fernando Torres has become Galliani's top target for the number 9 role and talks have ignited between Chelsea and Milan officials as they both look to come to an agreement for the Spaniard to make a move to San Siro before the summer transfer window shuts. Let's just say Milanisti aren't too fond of this news and based on the current form and wages of the player, who would be?
Torres has reportedly agreed to make a move to Milan but only on a permanent basis, not a loan. Also, his extraordinarily high wage pay has put a snag in a deal to Milan as well as the contract length demands by the player. Torres currently earns about €6M/yr but it appears he could be set to take a pay cut of around 50% to join Milan if Chelsea agree to pay the severance package to cover the wages he is reducing. Torres' agent, Chelsea and Milan officials are to meet tomorrow to negotiate and fine tune the deal. According to Sky, Milan have offered Fernando Torres a 3 year contract worth €3.5M + bonuses per year.
Aside from the business view of the whole negotiation, Milanisti have taken to social media, Twitter in particular, to express their dissatisfaction with Torres as the replacement. After selling the club's best player for less than par value for a player of Mario's age and ability, fans feel that Torres isn't the man to help Milan win matches. Of course, we feel the same. Torres is a player we respect simply because he gives it his all on the pitch and he will take the field with no issues about work rate. However, most feel that he has little to give a club and he is far past his Liverpool days when he was one of the world's most prolific scoring threats. At the moment, we are disappointed in the reality that Torres could be leading the attack come opening match day v Lazio but Milan fans are veterans when it comes to questionable moves. However, once (or if) he becomes an official player of Milan, I will welcome him to the squad with optimism and open arms which is what all Milanisti should do as well. Remember, club first over player. Put your disgust aside and wish for the success and positive results of the club.
The Italian transfer window shuts on September 1st, 2014 so stay tuned to Twitter in the coming days as Milan could find a deal with Chelsea that would bring Fernando Torres to the Rossoneri. Forza Milan.
UPDATED: (as of 08/29/14)
According to Sky Sports, Milan have reached an agreement with both Chelsea and Fernando Torres. Torres reportedly won't receive any severance package. The length of Torres' contract with Milan will be for 2 years with a reported annual pay of €3.5M. Torres is believed to be arriving to Milan on a free transfer but it has not been confirmed so stay tuned to the usual reliable sources on Twitter (Di Marzio, Amoyal, Milanello etc)
Milan Channel are also reporting that Torres could undergo the medical tests tomorrow in Milano. The player should arrive tomorrow morning in Milano to take the medicals, the first at La Madonnina clinic and the second at the Milanello training ground, via @Milanello.
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