Albertini compares Ricci and Tonali deals for Milan and would sign Vlahovic

Milan legend Demetrio Albertini says the Samuele Ricci deal reminds him of Sandro Tonali’s move at San Siro and is confident Dusan Vlahovic would ‘do well’ if he’s put in the right conditions at a new club.

Albertini commented on Milan’s latest transfer moves in an interview with Gazzetta.

The Rossoneri have welcomed their first summer signing, Samuele Ricci, who was unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday.

“To me, it’s an excellent idea that reminds me of the investment made a few years ago in signing Tonali,” said Albertini, a former Milan midfielder.

Milan’s need for Italian players

“Looking for Italian players to add to the squad is crucial for achieving certain results, as it helps create a sense of belonging within the group. Also, a player with Ricci’s skill set was needed.

“I hope Milan won’t be a point of arrival for him, but a starting point. A chance to truly take off. ”

Milan director Igli Tare has already announced that the Rossoneri will sign a new centre-forward competing for a starting spot with Santiago Gimenez in the 2025-26 season.

“It’s necessary because having a striker who scores consistently makes all the difference. I assume that the Gimenez we saw from February wasn’t the real version of himself, also because it’s hard to settle into a new team in just a few days,” Albertini noted.

“That being said, another strong centre-forward is needed.”

Juventus outcast Vlahovic is one of the names linked with a move to San Siro.

Albertini would sign Vlahovic with ‘my eyes closed’

The Bianconeri are eager to listen to offers for the Serbia international who won’t sign a contract extension beyond 2026.

“I wouldn’t mind him. I’d sign the Vlahovic we saw at Fiorentina with my eyes closed. I repeat: with my eyes closed,” said Albertini.

“After his experience at Juventus, I do have a few more doubts, but somebody like Vlahovic, if he’s put in the right conditions, would do well at Milan. I’m not sure what happened in Turin, but his potential is not in question, and it seems like he wants to change clubs.

“Strikers are expensive, and there aren’t many valuable ones available because either clubs charge a lot or they refuse to let them go at all.”

Lastly, the ex-midfielder argued that Milan should have kept another striker, the promising Francesco Camarda, rather than loaning him out to Lecce for the next season.

“I would have kept him and let him play. Abroad, top clubs trust talented young players,” he concluded.

“Barcelona are the perfect example with Xavi, Yamal and many others. Instead, we prefer to send them to smaller teams. I ask myself, wouldn’t it have been better if he had played 15-20 games with Milan?”