Here we go. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is ready to return to AC Milan. He's signed a six-month contract worth approximately €3 million net, with an option to extend for another year (approximately €6 million) based on the achievement of certain personal goals and appearances. Only a few minor details remain, but an agreement is in place for a deal that's on track for a swift completion: the Swede should be available to Stefano Pioli as early as the 30th, when work resumes at Milanello, and could even be called up for the Epiphany match against Sampdoria, despite Ibrahimovic not having played since mid-November. It will take at least a couple of weeks to see him back in good shape. The optimism that was palpable at Casa Milan before Christmas has materialized with contacts in the last few hours, with a decisive openness from the 38-year-old, who is based in Los Angeles. The Rossoneri management wanted to shake things up after the 5-0 defeat in Bergamo, sending a clear message: the season can't be over by the end of December; lingering in mid-table isn't a credible option. In addition to his performances, Boban and Maldini are demanding leadership from Ibrahimovic within the dressing room, to get the younger players ready for the day-to-day grind, and to instill the winning spirit he's always displayed throughout his career. Pioli, one of the main sponsors of this move, will now have to find a way to integrate Ibra: he could shift to a two-striker formation and forgo Suso—the most booed by the fans—or continue to rely on a 4-3-3 with the Swede as the center forward. In this case, one of Piatek or Leao could be loaned out until June. AC Milan are also targeting Jean-Clair Todibo from Barcelona, who has been more cautious about Mohamed Elneny despite the Egyptian midfielder's father—owned by Arsenal but on loan at Besiktas—having declared he is "in advanced negotiations" with the Rossoneri.
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