Christian Pulisic’s Milan could receive a major boost ahead of the new season, with Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate Leandro Paredes suddenly emerging as a surprise transfer target. While Ruben Amorim continues searching for reinforcements in midfield, reports from Argentina suggest the Serie A giant has already made a concrete move.
The development has quickly become one of the most intriguing stories of the summer transfer window. Paredes, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, is currently the captain of Boca Juniors, making any potential departure far more complicated than a routine transfer.
According to Martin Arevalo of ESPN Argentina, Milan has already submitted an offer to Boca Juniors for the 32-year-old midfielder. While no financial details have been disclosed, multiple reports from Argentina and Italy agree that the Rossoneri have taken concrete steps toward trying to bring the experienced ace back to Serie A.
Journalist Martin Arevalo reported that Milan has made a “significant offer” for the Argentine international, although he admitted that he did not know the transfer fee involved or the player’s intentions.
The reported interest comes as the Italian outfit continues evaluating options to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes. Ruben Amorim has publicly prioritized adding another central midfielder, and previous targets have proven difficult to secure, opening the door for unexpected alternatives.
Possible move depends on one factor
Paredes returned to Boca in the summer of 2025 from Roma for a reported fee of around $3.5 million. He remains under contract until the end of 2028, leaving the Xeneize in a strong negotiating position if Milan decides to pursue the deal aggressively.
The transfer also depends on the Serie A giant creating room within its current squad. According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Rossoneri are expected to offload several midfielders before completing another signing.
Warren Bondo has reportedly been made available for transfer, while Yunus Musah is not expected to play a central role under Amorim. The club is also believed to be willing to evaluate suitable offers for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Youssouf Fofana, Ardon Jashari and Samuele Ricci if opportunities arise before the market closes.
Luka Modric of AC Milan.
Meanwhile, Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot and promising youngster Christian Comotto are considered the midfielders most likely to remain at San Siro when the new campaign begins.
Decorated career could return to Serie A
Paredes would arrive with extensive experience at the highest level of European soccer. Before returning to Boca, he represented clubs including Roma, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus while establishing himself as one of Argentina‘s most reliable midfielders.
Lionel Messi (L) and Leandro Paredes of Argentina celebrate
His international résumé is equally impressive. The 32-year-old played a significant role in La Albiceleste’s 2022 World Cup triumph alongside Lionel Messi, adding another major honor to a career that also includes Copa América success.
That experience is precisely what could appeal to Amorim. Milan already possesses youthful energy throughout its squad, and adding another proven winner in midfield could provide valuable balance during a demanding campaign across multiple competitions.
