Former Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi hopes Stefano Pioli remains with the Rossoneri and suggests four summer signings, including Joshua Zirkzee.

The Rossoneri are preparing to strengthen their squad in 2024-25, and their former coach, Sacchi, advises the club on how to take a step forward and fight for the title in the next campaign.

The 77-year-old wrote in his Gazzetta dello Sport column on Thursday that Milan need to sign four new players in the summer: one centre forward to replace Olivier Giroud if the Frenchman leaves, one central midfielder and two defenders.

Sacchi feels Bologna striker Zirkzee would be ideal for Milan provided that the Rossoneri will “truly play with collective effort.”

Sacchi conceded that Zirkzee would help the Rossoneri and Pioli to further develop their playing style and “attack and defend as a unit.” The Dutch striker is “involved in the play” and has “excellent technical skills”, so he would link up well with his teammates and would need no time to adapt to Serie A.

“If Pioli remains at Milan, as I hope, I think he will want a striker with movement characteristics who is willing to sacrifice himself in the non-possession phase,” wrote the ex-coach.

Ultimately, Sacchi said Zirkzee is an “excellent profile” to strengthen Milan’s attack.

However, he should not be the only new signing for Milan and Pioli.

“It will be necessary [to sign] a very smart midfielder and two defenders, a centre-back and a full-back,” concluded Sacchi.

Regarding midfielder reinforcements, Gazzetta reports Milan are considering making an offer for France international Khephren Thuram.

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