AC Milan fans at San Siro were treated to a night of celebration and intrigue on December 28, 2025, as their side not only clinched a commanding 3-0 victory over Hellas Verona but also found themselves at the center of Europe’s transfer rumor mill. The win, powered by a clinical brace from Christopher Nkunku and a sharp opener by Christian Pulisic, provisionally sent Milan to the summit of Serie A, two points clear of rivals Inter Milan pending later results. But while the Rossoneri asserted their title credentials on the pitch, off-field developments involving rising stars and transfer targets kept the rumor mill spinning.
The match itself was a showcase of Milan’s growing confidence and tactical discipline under manager Massimiliano Allegri. Verona, sitting 18th in the league and desperate for points, frustrated their hosts for much of the first half with disciplined defending and relentless pressing. Milan, for all their possession, found clear-cut chances hard to come by as Verona’s structure held strong. The San Siro crowd grew restless, with every misplaced pass and blocked shot raising the tension just a notch higher.
But just as it seemed the teams would head into the break deadlocked, Milan found their breakthrough in first-half stoppage time. Luka Modric, ever the orchestrator, whipped in a corner that was flicked on by Adrien Rabiot. The ball fell perfectly for Christian Pulisic, who reacted in a flash to volley home from close range. The American’s goal brought the crowd to their feet and injected a surge of belief into Milan’s play.
If Verona had hoped to regroup at halftime, those hopes were dashed almost immediately after the restart. Less than two minutes into the second half, Verona’s Victor Nelsson fouled Nkunku in the box, conceding a penalty. Nkunku, showing no nerves, sent goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo the wrong way to double Milan’s advantage. Verona, rattled by the quick turnaround, barely had time to recover before they were breached again. Five minutes later, Modric unleashed a strike from distance that cannoned off the post, and Nkunku pounced on the rebound, tapping into an empty net for his second goal of the night.
"He’s a very sensitive guy who really wanted to do well. Today he finally unlocked himself, especially after the penalty," Allegri told DAZN, praising Nkunku’s performance. "He scored a goal that’s in his DNA and I think he can keep improving, like everyone. In the first half we were a bit tense. In the second, we did better." Allegri’s words reflected the sense of relief and optimism that swept through the Milan camp as the third goal effectively killed the contest. From there, Milan dictated the tempo, limiting Verona to half chances. Ruben Loftus-Cheek nearly added a fourth, while Verona’s brief moment of hope—a goal by Gift Orban—was quickly dashed by an offside flag and a foul on keeper Mike Maignan.
The closing stages of the match offered Allegri a chance to showcase Milan’s future, as 19-year-old defender David Odogu was handed his Serie A debut. The young defender’s introduction was a nod to the club’s commitment to youth, a theme that has also dominated the headlines off the pitch this week.
Indeed, Milan’s blend of experience and youth has been a talking point both in Italy and abroad. The club’s refusal to entertain January offers for their own breakout star, 19-year-old left-back Davide Bartesaghi, has drawn attention from across Europe—most notably from Arsenal. According to sources close to the situation, Arsenal have been monitoring Bartesaghi’s progress for months, viewing him as a player with both immediate utility and long-term upside. His composure in possession, tactical intelligence, and willingness to drive forward on the left flank have made him a standout in Serie A this season.
However, Milan’s stance is resolute. The Rossoneri have placed a €45 million valuation on Bartesaghi and made it clear that any mid-season move is off the table. Internally, Milan see the teenager as a cornerstone for the future, and with the team in the thick of a title race, they are reluctant to disrupt the squad. Arsenal, for their part, are expected to maintain contact and continue monitoring the situation, but a January deal appears highly unlikely. Instead, all eyes are on the summer window, when Milan may reassess their position and Arsenal could make a formal approach.
"The club value Bartesaghi at around €45 million, a figure designed to deter opportunistic approaches during the January window," reported sources familiar with Milan’s transfer strategy. For now, Bartesaghi remains focused on his development in Italy, aware that regular football at Milan is accelerating his progress. Any potential transfer, insiders say, would require sporting assurances rather than being driven purely by financial considerations.
While Milan’s transfer focus is largely on retaining their young talents, other European giants are also keeping tabs on their former academy products. Barcelona, for example, are closely monitoring the progress of Adrian Bernabe, who left La Masia at a young age in search of first-team football. After a stint at Manchester City, Bernabe found his rhythm at Parma, helping guide the club back to Serie A and establishing himself as a key midfielder. Now enjoying his most consistent season yet—free from the physical problems that once hampered his progress—Bernabe has caught the eye of his boyhood club once again.
Barcelona, ever mindful of their financial constraints, see Bernabe as a realistic market opportunity. With his contract at Parma running until 2027, there’s no urgency from the player’s camp to force a move, but sources suggest that a return to Catalonia would be viewed positively if the right offer materializes. For now, though, Bernabe’s focus remains on maintaining his form in Italy’s top flight, where his passing range, composure under pressure, and set-piece prowess have won admirers.
Back in Milan, the mood is buoyant. With the team provisionally top of Serie A and the Scudetto target set between 82 and 84 points—possibly rising to 86 if the title race heats up—there’s a sense that something special could be brewing at San Siro. Allegri, ever the pragmatist, is keeping his squad grounded, but the blend of seasoned stars and emerging talents has fans dreaming of more silverware.
As the final whistle blew against Verona, Milan’s players embraced on the pitch, savoring both the victory and the promise of what lies ahead. With transfer rumors swirling and young stars on the rise, the Rossoneri’s story is far from finished. The race for the Scudetto and the battles in the transfer market look set to keep Milan in the headlines well into 2026.
