Zenit name Leandro Paredes price tag

AC Milan technical director Leonardo has identified Zenit star Leandro Paredes as the main target for January and Lucas Biglia’s long-term successor.

Despite the short time available during the summer transfer window technical director Leonardo, with the help of Paolo Maldini, made an excellent job. The Brazilian signed Mattia Caldara, Gonzalo Higuain, Diego Laxalt, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Samu Castillejo practically offering Gattuso a much better and completed squad. However there is still something missing.

With the departure of Manuel Locatelli to Sassuolo, Lucas Biglia is the only deep-lying playmaker that the Rossoneri have. Leonardo is well aware and is working to make an important purchase in that position. While the market offers a lot of possibilities, even on a free transfer, Leandro Paredes is the number one priority. Adrien Rabiot still remains a top target but it will be impossible to sign him on January. With AC Milan playing in three competitions the club can not afford to wait until next summer to sign a top level midfielder so Leonardo is determined to sign Paredes on January.

The former Roma star transferred to Russia last season to play for Zenit Saint Petersburg. He excelled in his first season in the Russian Premier League and now at 24 is ready to join a big club. Apparently the club and the player have a verbal agreement that if such a proposal arrives Zenit will allow the metronome to leave.

The Russian giants are demanding a 30 million euros fee for Leandro Paredes. A figure well with reach of AC Milan’s budget, especially considering today’s market prices. The midfielder has given his approval to the Rossoneri and after UEFA reveals if the club will suffer sanctions or sign a new Voluntary Agreement shortly, Leonardo will present an official offer.