AC Milan have decided not to invest in a high-level coach in order to focus more resources on the playing squad available to the man in charge, according to a journalist.

In his latest MilanNews column, Antonio Vitiello confirms that ‘Fonseca is Milan’s choice’ and that the announcement could arrive at the beginning of next week. He will sign a two-year deal with an option for a third and a salary starting from €2.5m net per year plus bonuses to reach €3m.

He went on to give a further assessment on how things have been viewed from the management side versus the side of the fan base who were perhaps hoping for a bigger name or someone with a more impressive CV.

“As long as there are no signatures there is always a minimum percentage of variability, and the fans are in fact clinging to this, even with demonstrations of dissent,” he said.

“The anger increases when at the same time Antonio Conte, who was free from contracts, is about to join a team that will not even play in Europe. De Zerbi left Brighton, Conceição left Porto, Sarri himself could have been an option after his farewell to Lazio, while Juve played early on Motta.

“The choice to go for Paulo Fonseca brings with it many doubts, then it will be up to the coach to transform skepticism into enthusiasm, just like Stefano Pioli did upon his arrival in 2019. But unlike those dark years, Milan has grown and is now aiming for the title, which is why the fans were asking for a name with a better pedigree.

“But Milan’s strategy is clear: focus everything on the team. The coach will not be a top manager, but the team will have to be very competitive. We will focus on targeted purchases, not on the quantity but on the quality of the signings.

“Milan have the obligation to go all-in on the transfer market and strengthen the team to make it strong. A striker is needed, maybe even two, then a midfielder with defensive characteristics and two defenders (centre and right-back).”