'Concrete progress': £25m midfielder in advanced talks over transfer after Liverpool links - Fabrizio Romano
Yesterday at 05:30 AM
Liverpool are set to be active in the market in 2025 as Arne Slot continues to imprint his philosophy at the club.
The Dutchman has already made quite the impact at Anfield and it goes without saying that Liverpool have a squad with the right blend of youth and experience.
However, it’s not to say the Reds don’t have any room for improvement, with a few areas of the pitch still in need of work.
Liverpool decided against signing a midfielder in the summer after Martin Zubimendi rejected a move to Anfield, although they continued to keep a watchful eye on the market.
And now, if reports are to be believed, one of their midfield targets seems like he could be on his way to AC Milan.
Liverpool target Samuele Ricci in talks to sign for AC Milan
After Zubimendi’s transfer snub, Slot opted to use Ryan Gravenberch as his number six and it’s safe to say his decision has worked wonders.
The Dutch midfielder has started every Premier League and UEFA Champions League game for the club this season and is playing the best football of his career.
Michael Owen said a few months ago that Gravenberch was the best Premier League player at the time, but the Reds don’t have another quality player who can play as a number six.
Liverpool were linked with a move for Samuele Ricci, who reportedly has a price tag of £25m.
The Italian midfielder is one of the brightest prospects in his country and has earned rave reviews for his performance for Torino and the national team.
Ricci recently extended his contract with Torino but has a gentleman’s agreement in his deal to leave if suitable offers arrive.
And now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the midfielder is in talks to sign for AC Milan, coming as a blow to Liverpool.
He wrote on X: “Understand AC Milan have made concrete progress to sign Samuele Ricci as a new midfielder from season 2025/26.
“He's the main target in midfield for June and talks are already advanced with the Italian midfielder on personal terms. Discussions underway.”
Liverpool have to pounce now if they want Ricci
Milan want to agree a deal in principle to sign Ricci, so Liverpool are running out of time to step up their interest.
Previously, they’ve been forced into action to sign their top targets in January, which was also the case in the summer of 2022 with Luis Diaz.
After Tottenham made a move for him, the Reds quickly jumped to the front of the queue for his signature and secured his signing, which could well be the case for Ricci.
