ARSENAL could be major beneficiaries of AC Milan's implosion this season — with Andre Silva set to become available once again.
The Portuguese striker was a major transfer target for the Gunners during the summer window, but they missed out when the big-spending Rossoneri made him their record signing at £33million. However, the Italian side's poor start to the season — which has seen them lose half of their league games so far — means they are in serious danger of missing out on Champions League qualification in the summer, which had been the minimum expectation set by the new owners.
Arsenal are expecting to lose Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in 2018, and Silva, 21 would be a ready-made replacement for either.
Milan started the season with back-to-back wins, but have since lost four of the next six matches — including the dramatic 3-2 reverse in the derby.
Failure to challenge this season has had a disastrous effect off the pitch, with Adidas and Audi cutting ties with the club. Puma will become their new sponsor from next season — but for a deal worth HALF of that with Adidas.
Juventus are certainties to make the Champions League while Napoli and Inter Milanare impressing early on — and both Roma and Lazio have made bright starts.
It means Vincenzo Montella's men face a huge challenge to make the top four in the first season under new ownership.
Failure to do so will mean they have to find new ways to make up for the loss of earnings.
And player sales is the most likely avenue. Despite having failed to register a single goal in Serie A so far this season, Silva's stock is still high due to his exploits in the Europa League.
The Portugal international netted a hat-trick during the 5-1 win at Austria Vienna.
He has been used more scarcely in the the league, but showed glimpses of his talent during the defeat to rivals Inter.
From The Sun
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