Allegri: AC Milan gearing up for Honda arrival

Massimiliano Allegri has announced that AC Milan will add Adil Rami and Keisuke Honda to the squad in January as they look to improve their chances of qualifying for the Champions League for the sixth successive season.

Honda, a key player for club and country, has been long linked with a move away from the Russian capitalwith Milan rumoured to be signing the Japan international in the summer only for the move to fall through. Sky Sports has now confirmed that Honda will join up with Allegri’s squad in January as well as Valencia defender, Rami.

Following the last-gasp defeat to Parma at the weekend that leaves them 16 points behind Serie A leaders Roma, Allegri said: “The January market? Rami and Honda will arrive.

“They are two players who will enrich our team, but if we want to climb up the table then we need to improve in the away matches and not commit the same mistakes.”

The 27-year-old CSKA Moscow midfielder has saved his best form for the Champions League this season – scoring a goal and registering 1 assist in his 3 appearances. His creativity – Honda has created six chances in three games – is an attribute of his game that Allegri will be looking forward to having at his disposal as they look to climb the league table during the second half of the campaign.

Rami, a France international, could be just as important cum the turn of the year. Milan have conceded 16 goals already this season and must improve defensively if they are to qualify for the Champions League again. The Valencia defender has been frozen out at the Mestalla this season and he will be eager to resurrect his career at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Both players will be a welcome addition to the side struggling in mid-table, a distinct fall from grace for the once great Milanese club.

Keisuke Honda has created 34 chances for his team-mates in 16 games for CSKA Moscow this season, more than any other player at the club.