AC Milan join race to sign Ilaix Moriba

Reigning Serie A champions AC Milan have added ex-Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba to their shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Rossoneri have been impressed with the 20-year-old’s performances during his season-long loan at Valencia and could make a move to take him to Italy.

Moriba came through the youth academy at Spotify Camp Nou before swapping Barcelona for RB Leipzig in 2021, seeking regular first-team football.

But after failing to establish himself at the Red Bull Arena, he returned to familiar surroundings last summer and has thrived in La Liga this term, racking up 23 league appearances for Los Che.

Despite his decent loan spell at the Estadio de Mestalla, Moriba seems to have no future at Leipzig, as recently confirmed by the club’s president, who opened the door for his summer exit.

While we recently took stock of the youngster’s potential destinations in the Premier League, he could end up plying his trade in Serie A.

Milan are now ready to pounce for the up-and-coming midfielder after Wolfsburg loanee Aster Vranckx failed to live up to expectations this season.

Vrancx touched down at the San Siro last summer to fill the void left by Franck Kessie’s move to Barcelona on a free transfer, but he’s found little playing time in Serie A.

The cash-strapped Italians are in the market for low-cost solutions, and the prospect of signing Moriba on loan seems to fit Paolo Maldini’s plan to reinforce Stefano Pioli’s midfield.

But if the Rossoneri decide to go for a permanent deal, Barcelona could gain financial benefits as they have a future sale option included in Moriba’s contract at Leipzig.

The Bundesliga heavyweights value their wantaway starlet at around €16 million, which would give Barca a handy windfall of €1.6m to help them balance their books.