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AC Milan owners must sort Donnarumma future and back Montella

Yonghong Li and his consortium have finally concluded their takeover of AC Milan on an historic day for the club, and coupled with the highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina this weekend, it shapes up to be a defining week for the Italian giants.

With the takeover completed, various aspects of the club must be improved under their guidance, and if they do have a to-do list, then it's hoped that it looks a little similar to this ...

Give full backing to Vincenzo Montella

Whenever there is a change in ownership, there are always concerns as to whether they have their own coach in mind. While it's usually an unpopular choice, it's one that they have the right to make.

On this occasion, it has been no different. Speculation has linked others with Montella's job, while the Italian tactician himself has been realistic about the situation in that he knows he must speak to the owners and understand their plans.

Ultimately, after two years of constantly changing the coach, Milan finally have some stability and momentum under Montella. As they have now started to develop a winning habit this season, it only promises to get better under his stewardship and so he must be given the chance to continue his positive work

Secure the long-term futures of key players

From Gianluigi Donnarumma and Mattia De Sciglio next summer, to Suso, Ignazio Abate and Davide Calabria among others 12 months later, there are key individuals in this squad coming to the latter stages of their current contracts.

That must be sorted out at the end of this season, and it makes sense to get the Milan house in order first before looking elsewhere.

That trio of Donnarumma, De Sciglio and Suso have proven to be pivotal to Montella's plans this year, and keeping their best players must be an absolute priority for the new owners.

Provide Montella with a significant summer transfer window budget

Given the fact that several summer signings were brought in before Montella was even announced as the new coach last year, he has been severely limited in terms of bolstering his squad and bringing in players that fit his ideals and style of play.

That's seen in the fact that Mario Pasalic, Mati Fernandez, Gerard Deulofeu and Lucas Ocampos have all been signed on loan as there was simply no money available to go out and buy top players.

That has to change this summer. From a long-term central defensive partner for Alessio Romagnoli, a creative midfielder and a replacement for Carlos Bacca, there are key areas that need strengthening. Yonghong Li must show his ambition and put up the money to go out and sign top-class players.

Revitalise plans for a new stadium

Momentum was gathering in 2015 over Milan building a new stadium. Having been awarded the rights and with financial backing in place over a new 48,000-seat arena ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, it all looked on course to happen.

In September that year, disagreements led to Berlusconi pulling the plug on the idea. Instead, improvements to the San Siro became the priority.

Anyone that has visited the stadium will be fully aware of the magic that it holds and the history and memories that it has for many supporters. However, there are simply countless benefits from owning your own stadium and the business aspect alone dictates that this is undoubtedly a necessary step in modern-day football.

Prove their ambition and reassure supporters

This is arguably the most important issue that must be addressed, and right away. From Bee Taechaubol's failed attempt to purchase Milan two years ago to the problems that the new owners have faced, it has all led to some very concerned supporters who rightly have their doubts.

Whether it was the initial Sino-Europe Sports group being dissolved after constant delays, the inclusion of a United States hedge fund or simply not knowing who exactly is involved in this takeover and their business history, there is still an anxiousness surrounding this deal.

The picture will hopefully become a lot clearer in the coming days, but whether it's through securing Milan's financial position, activity in the transfer market or merely just increased communication with fans, Yonghong Li and his group must still prove that Berlusconi is passing Milan over to a safe pair of hands.