Report: Chelsea and Man City Face Milan Competition for Midfielder | OneFootball

Man City and Chelsea Face Competition for Samuele Ricci Amid AC Milan Interest

Manchester City and Chelsea’s pursuit of Torino’s Samuele Ricci has intensified, with AC Milan reportedly joining the race to sign the 23-year-old defensive midfielder. Ricci has impressed with his performances in Serie A and is now attracting attention from Europe’s elite, including Pep Guardiola’s Man City, who seek to reinforce their midfield amid Rodri’s injury.

Man City Target Samuele Ricci as Rodri Cover

Manchester City, currently facing a midfield gap with Rodri sidelined due to injury, have been monitoring Ricci for several months. The Italian midfielder’s defensive skills and versatility make him an ideal candidate to fill the void left by the Spanish international. Valued at around €30 million (£25.1m), Ricci’s name has surfaced on a list of potential midfield reinforcements for the reigning Premier League champions.

Photo: IMAGO

While City are reportedly keen on securing Ricci’s services, they are not the only club keeping a close eye on him. Chelsea, too, have expressed interest in the Torino star, seeing him as a potential asset to strengthen their own midfield options.

AC Milan Join the Chase for Ricci

According to reports from MilanLive, AC Milan have emerged as another strong contender in the race for Ricci’s signature. The Italian giants are prioritising a midfield signing in the upcoming January transfer window. Manager Paulo Fonseca is looking for fresh competition in the midfield, as current options Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Yunus Musah have yet to convince, while Ismael Bennacer’s injury has exacerbated the situation.

Photo IMAGO

Fonseca is reportedly keen on Ricci, given the player’s tactical intelligence and his ability to protect the backline while contributing to Milan’s possession-based football. With a strong presence in both attacking and defensive transitions, Ricci could be the solution Milan needs to stabilise their midfield during a challenging campaign.

Ricci’s Impressive Rise in Serie A

Ricci has quickly developed into one of the top defensive midfielders in Serie A. His ability to read the game, combined with his tenacity in breaking up opposition play, has earned him a spot in the Italian national team. Torino’s director, Davide Vagnati, who signed Ricci from Empoli in 2022, recently praised the player’s growth:

“He did a lot, he grew a lot from a physical-muscular point of view, from what his technical qualities and vision of the game are, he already had them. He has improved in that, and I think he can play with any coach in any league.”

With such glowing endorsements and his strong performances on the pitch, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a bidding war erupt between Europe’s top clubs come January.

Ricci’s Focus Remains on Torino

Despite the speculation, Ricci has remained grounded, insisting his focus is on Torino and not the swirling transfer rumours. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Ricci said:

“I’ve learned to understand a little: as soon as you do well, lots of things come out. They’re nice, but you shouldn’t let it get to your head. I still have to improve on many things.”

His modesty and professionalism off the pitch have only added to his appeal for potential suitors, but for now, Ricci remains committed to delivering for Torino.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The potential addition of Samuele Ricci represents an exciting opportunity to bolster City’s midfield depth. With Rodri’s absence exposing the lack of defensive midfield cover, City supporters would see Ricci as a vital cog in Guardiola’s system. His ability to control the tempo of play, coupled with his defensive acumen, fits neatly into City’s possession-dominant style.

Moreover, Ricci’s tactical flexibility is a significant draw. Fans may view him as not only a stopgap during Rodri’s absence but also a long-term investment who could develop into a mainstay in City’s midfield. While some may question his readiness for the Premier League, Ricci’s rapid growth in Italy suggests he is more than capable of adapting to the rigours of English football.

Chelsea’s involvement in the race for Ricci adds an extra layer of intrigue. Fans might feel a sense of urgency for City to act fast and secure Ricci before rivals can swoop in. As AC Milan also circle, supporters will hope the club moves swiftly to wrap up a deal that could prove vital for City’s title ambitions.