AC Milan spend big in attempt to reclaim Serie A title

AC Milan have been the most active Serie A club during the transfer window as they look to recapture the Scudetto, but still look like they need further investment in key areas.

Stefano Pioli's side won the league two years ago, but last season finished fourth, 20 points behind champions Napoli. That earned Milan Champions League football, but only after a points deduction for Juventus because of false accounting.

Milan beat Napoli in last season's Champions League quarter-finals to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2007, before losing to city rivals Inter.

The start of the close season offered little reason for optimism at Milan, with Paolo Maldini being sacked as Technical Director and Zlatan Ibrahimovic retiring. The Swedish striker played only four games last season, but was an important leader in the squad.

Next came the loss of key midfielder Sandro Tonali, sold to Newcastle United for 64 million euros ($69.9 million).

ALL CHANGE

"This group has done a lot, but I think some changes are needed. Proving to be successful even without Ibrahimovic is one of the challenges," Pioli said during pre-season.

Milan spent 110 million euros ($120 million) to bolster their squad with the arrival of eight players.

The incomings could also enforce a tactical change - Pioli has mostly used a 4-2-3-1 formation over the last two seasons, but now looks set to go with 4-3-3.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek's arrival from Chelsea adds physicality to the midfield where he will be partnered with fellow new signing Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutchman scored seven goals in 54 appearances for AZ Alkmaar last season.

Yunus Musah has also been added to midfield, and though the 20-year-old American may have to bide his time in Italy, he is no stranger to