Ibrahimovic wanted Xavi at Milan before decision to remain at Barcelona

The landscape regarding Stefano Pioli’s successor remains open for AC Milan. However, a report has revealed that the Rossoneri had eyed up a legend of the game to replace the 58-year-old. 

There is a substantial amount of pressure on the upcoming summer for Milan, and it will be an excellent test for the management if they can weather the storm that replacing a manager and reinvigorating a squad brings.

Several of the squad’s experienced players are leaving the club, and investment needs to be perfect, but the biggest issue to solve is regarding the managerial candidates.

For the Rossoneri, there is a project to be built upon, and the right candidate will inherit a squad that can be moulded into credible European threats whilst competing for the Scudetto, but this all falls to the managerial selection.

Whilst the list is shortening, Milan have already lost out on candidates that they have been intrigued by, and a report by Calciomercato.com suggests that Barcelona manager Xavi falls under this category.

As reported, Zlatan Ibrahimovic holds his former team-mate in very high regard and was pursuing him for the post that Pioli will soon leave. However, with the Spaniard remaining at the club, it is no longer feasible.