USMNT's Yunus Musah becoming the key to complex Serie A transfer negotiation

Atalanta midfielder Marco Brescianini is a target for Serie A champions Napoli, but that deal can only happen if Milan agree to sell Musah to Atalanta to unlock things and get the ball rolling. At that point, the Rossoneri would then target Bologna's Giovanni Fabbian to replace the American. Sky Sport Italy explains that "new contact" has been made with regard to Brescianini joining Napoli and Musah going to Atalanta.

The complexity of the issue becomes clear when considering that Atalanta will only let Brescianini leave if they can secure Musah, thereby making Milan's position crucial to the entire operation. Where Milan are hitting a stumbling block is in efforts to source a replacement of their own, with Bologna said to be "putting up a front" over Fabbian, who is valued at €15 million (£13m/$17.5m) plus add-ons.

Nottingham Forest had been tracking Musah, who is valued at €25 million (£21m/ $27m) by Milan. But a stay in Serie A, moving the short distance from Milan to Bergamo seemed more plausible and appealing once Atalanta began showing interest.

Musah was an unused sub in Milan's opening Serie A defeat against Cremonese on Sunday and, having started only 19 league matches in 2024-25 could perhaps do with a fresh challenge in a new team. But if Milan are to have any chance of cashing in on the 22-year-old, they first need to work on softening Bologna's stance on Fabbian. Napoli will have to wait patiently for Brescianini's turn in the chain, or consider an alternative.

Serie A's summer transfer deadline falls on September 1.