AC Milan could welcome forward Stephan El Shaarawy back to the squad following an unsuccessful loan spell at Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco, the club CEO Adriano Galliani told Rai Sport on Wednesday.
Monaco has declined to pick up its option to buy out El Shaarawy, with its president, Vadim Vasilyev, announcing that the 23-year-old is no longer a part of the team's plans.
Related: Stephan El Shaarawy will not play for Monaco again, confirms club chief
Genoa, Roma, and Bournemouth were rumoured destinations for the Italy international, but Galliani admitted in an interview before Milan's Coppa Italia quarterfinal against Carpi that the player could simply return to his parent club during the January transfer window.
It's a dramatic change of heart for a team that appeared ready to move on from El Shaarawy, who has been unable to recapture the form that allowed him to score 16 league goals during the 2012-13 season.
He suffered through various foot injuries over the next two seasons, and eventually sought a new beginning with Monaco. But he failed to make an impression, scoring just two goals in the Europa League.
"We are discussing with Milan, his agent, and other clubs in order to find something," Vasilyev said.
