Right now the situation at Milan is incredibly interesting. I don't know how much you guys have followed it but I don't know what to make of it.
Today Berlusconi came out saying Zlatan is "maybe a waste of money". Sited how he's been poor for months and while he had a good first half (he did, he was at heart of creating both goals) he lost his head and got sent off. There's the fact Pato is openly dating Barbara (Silvio's younger daughter and the most likely heir to Milan). There's the fact Pato does not get on with zlatan. And for that I blame Zlatan. He's senior, he's a better player, he needs to make more effort. Instead he screams. Pato does makes a lot of mistakes (as do all 21 year olds, his passing leaves a lotto be desired) but still.
The fact Milan dominated Inter without him, has increasingly made him insecure.
Then there is the fact Milan are massively trying to cut wages. Pirlo (sad sad) seems likely on his way out. If he stays he needs to take 50% wage decrease. Seedorf same thing. Gattuso and Ambrosini aren't safe either (though I'd put there chances at leaving at 1% max). Zlatan makes 8 million euros. In Italy tax is 50% so Milan pays 16 mil a year for him. Add the fact they are going to pay Barca 8 mil a season for next 3 years for him while hes 30-32, he's costing Milan 24 million a season. More than 10% of there total revenue. For that money you expect massive production. He did produce early in the season, he literally carried Milan for half the year.
However it seems as everyone improved, as Pato improved, Zlatan declined. He reverted to soloist Zlatan, unwilling to work with the team. This is no more evident in UCL, when Milan couldn't even score, largely cause of him (he clogged middle and didn't play 1-2s like he was early season, if Milan was more dynamic in final 3rd w/ pato and robinho, they surely would have scored. No one is stopping that.
Now they are increasingly questioning if he's worth the Money. Milan is entering title run without him. With Pato, Robinho and Cassano Milan can easily hold first. Milan might be questioning, why are we paying him 2-3 mil more than our next high earner (pirlo) and 4 mil higher than anyone else on the squad?
Add to it Silvio has now made it his obsession to get Cristiano Ronaldo (ok I knew he had a boner for him, but I figured we'd get Ronaldo like with all star players... at 30), he's increasingly questioning if Zlatan is worth it just like with Ronaldinho. Unlike Ron's first season, where Carlo was blamed for not playing him, and losing, Zlatan's played every game he's been eligible.
Considering there are reports Milan have locked up Ganso (thanx largely to Thiago Silvas influence), and constant link to players like hernanes, sahin, montolivo, criscito, mexes etc. and a want to massively rejuvenate the squad. It would not surprise me if Milan try to balk their deal with Barca and send him to City.
I still think it's more likely than not Zlatan stays, but it's definitely something to monitor. Berlusconi is not happy with his production v. the wages he's earning. He's suppose to be leader and star. Increasingly Pato has surpassed him and with Barbara's influence it's anyones guess.
The next 3 games without Zlatan, could seal his fate. Robinho and Pato have great chemistry. Sampdoria is in free fall and Bologna and Brescia are beatable.