The Rossoneri have been reticent to make any new signings this summer and are not in great shape going into this afternoon’s Emirates Cup clash.

On Friday Allegri warned that he needed reinforcements in the middle of the park and the newspapers believe there is a specific target.

Sampdoria youngster Poli is an Under-21 international who impressed last season and proved a crucial figure in taking them to fourth place.

He is valued at around £12m, but his move could be delayed until after the Champions League preliminary round.

If he plays in those games, then Poli will be cup-tied and consequently far less of a reinforcement for Milan.

The other candidate is his Sampdoria teammate Angelo Palombo, but the Azzurri midfielder turns 29 in September.

Tuttosport believes the Rossoneri are also interested in Antonio Candreva, who has returned to Udinese following his loan spell at Juventus and would cost £10m.

Cagliari’s Andrea Lazzari and Real Madrid outcast Mahamadou Diarra are other alternatives.

Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldinho and Pippo Inzaghi are out of the squad for the Arsenal game, which kicks off at 15.20 UK time in London.

“We’ve been working hard for 10 days and cannot pretend we’re in peak physical condition, especially as Arsenal started training long before us,” warned Allegri.

“These friendlies are useful for improving our fitness levels, although clearly we do not want to give a bad account of ourselves.

“I already have my Milan in mind and am convinced we’ll get there for the start of the season.

“I am focusing a lot on Mathieu Flamini, a player with great potential who has done less than he could’ve done over the last two years.”