Milan Secure Rising Star Edoardo Zanaga from Empoli for €300k

FolioPitch.com – 10 July 2026 | In a move that underscores AC Milan‘s commitment to bolstering their youth academy, Reports Milan close signing of talented teenager from Empoli for 300k. The Rossoneri are on the verge of acquiring 2008-born forward Edoardo Zanaga from Empoli for a fee of €300,000 plus bonuses, with a sell-on clause included. The deal, which has been widely reported by Italian outlets including Gazzetta Regionale and Nicolò Schira, is in its final stages as the two clubs exchange documents, paving the way for an official announcement.

Reports Milan close signing of talented teenager from Empoli for 300k comes as part of a strategic focus on youth development under the club’s management. Zanaga, who can play as a centre-forward, second striker, or right winger, will initially join Milan’s Primavera side. The website SempreMilan, citing Oliver Fisher, highlights the teenager’s physical strength and goal-scoring prowess, attributes that have drawn comparisons to his idol Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as revealed in interviews with Sprint and Sport.

Zanaga’s journey to Milan began in his hometown club SCA Asti before being snapped up by Juventus, where he impressed with a hat-trick for the Under-15s against Alessandria. In the summer of 2022, he moved to Empoli, where his development accelerated. With the Tuscan club’s Under-16 team, he broke the deadlock against Roma and went on a remarkable run of eight goals in nine games, logging just 543 minutes. This earned him the title of best player in Group C.

Despite a injury setback in the 2024-25 season that kept him sidelined for months, Zanaga returned to form with the Under-17s. Last season, he made his Primavera debut against Monopoli on September 13, 2025, and scored his first Primavera goal in a 5-0 thrashing of Salernitana in December 2025. His rapid rise continued when he debuted for Empoli’s first team in the Coppa Italia Second Round against Genoa at the end of September 2025, playing over half an hour off the bench.

On the international stage, Zanaga has represented Italy at various youth levels: 11 appearances for the Under-15s (one goal), one goal for the Under-16s, and one goal in five appearances for the Under-18s, notably against Austria. His versatility and physicality make him a coveted prospect, and Milan’s swift action to secure his signature is a clear statement of intent.

Reports Milan close signing of talented teenager from Empoli for 300k also highlight the club’s strategy of investing in young talent with resale value. The contract is set to run until 2029 with an option for an additional year, ensuring Milan’s long-term rights. Zanaga’s playing style—strong, clinical, and adaptable—fits the modern game, and he is expected to seamlessly integrate into the Primavera setup under the guidance of Milan’s youth coaches.

The deal represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for Milan. With a modest fee of €300,000, the club adds a promising forward who has already shown glimpses of first-team caliber. Empoli, known for developing young players, have a history of producing gems, and Milan are betting on Zanaga to emulate the success of previous youth graduates.

As the transfer window progresses, Milan fans eagerly anticipate the official confirmation. Reports Milan close signing of talented teenager from Empoli for 300k is a story that not only reflects the club’s proactive approach but also signals a bright future for the Rossoneri’s youth sector. Zanaga’s journey from Asti to Milan is a testament to his dedication, and his next chapter at Milanello promises to be one to watch.

In conclusion, AC Milan’s acquisition of Edoardo Zanaga for €300,000 is a savvy move that reinforces their youth pipeline. The club’s focus on nurturing talent aligns with their historical ethos, and Zanaga’s arrival adds depth and potential to the Primavera squad. With his physical attributes and goal-scoring instincts, he embodies the qualities needed to succeed at Milan. The coming seasons will reveal whether this investment becomes the next big success story from the Milan academy.