Italian giants AC Milan are reportedly monitoring the progress of Spanish midfielder Javi Garcia who plays for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Benfica.
The former Real Madrid man has transformed into one of Europe’s best holding midfielders following a scintillating campaign for the Reds.
Playing in the heart of midfield, the Spaniard has formed a formidable partnership with Belgian prodigy Axel Witsel and duo have been integral to Benfica’s run in the UEFA Champions League.
Garcia’s abilities to break up play and distribute the ball to more attack minded players has been the main tactic employed Jorge Jesus for the past few months and to his credit, it has paid generous dividends.
The Eagles are cruising with a five point lead in Liga Sagres and are fighting it out for glory in the League Cup. While most top European sides have taken great interest in Nicolas Gaitan after his explosive displays in the Champions League, Garcia has
been quite underrated and his talents are not fully appreciated.
However he has come into the headlines recently following reports that Manchester United were supposedly on his trail.
The Red Devils have been primarily linked with Gaitan, but it is believed that the Argentine’s €45 million price-tag has caused Sir Alex Ferguson to turn his attention to Garcia.
The 24-year-old would be an ideal replacement for Paul Scholes, as he possesses similar attributes and has a great passing range.
United are joined by their arch-rivals Arsenal, whose midfield woes have been there for all to see. The Gunners’ main man, Jack Wilshere, is out for the remainder of the season and even when he returns in the next campaign, Arsene Wenger needs to have other
options to choose from.
While the majority of the interest was being generated from England, it seems as if AC Milan have also joined in the act and are looking to bolster their squad with some influential summer signings.
Club vice-captain Gennaro Gattuso is one of the best midfielders in the world, but is now nearing the end of a glittering career. He has an impeccable service record with the Rossoneri but alongside the likes of Mark van Bommel and Clarence Seedorf, their
reign at San Siro will be over sooner rather than later.
Milan are only one point behind Juventus in the title race but will have to add new recruits if they are maintain their form in the 2012/2013 season.
Javi Garcia seems to be their preferred choice but acquiring the midfield maestro will be easier said than done, given the competition from Arsenal and Manchester United.
United in particular could oust their Italian counterparts in a bidding war, as their need for a top class presence in the centre of the park grows with every match. But it in the end, it will come down to Benfica and the player, who will decide where he
wants to ply his trade at.