With just over a month remaining until the Serie A season kicks off against Bari at San Siro, AC Milan finds itself in a precarious position, still lacking established starting fullbacks on both flanks. What seemed like a straightforward summer of reinforcement has quickly become a complex negotiation dance, marked by surprising twists and escalating price tags.
The search for a left-back, intended either as cover or a potential successor for Theo Hernandez, hit a dramatic snag recently. Milan believed they had secured Archie Brown, a promising left-sided player from Gent, after reportedly matching Galatasaray`s offer of €8 million. An agreement with the player seemed finalized, with flights and medical tests arranged. However, in a swift and unexpected turn late on Friday night, Brown reportedly changed his mind, swayed by a significantly more lucrative contract offer from Fenerbahçe.
The Turkish club, reportedly motivated by the influence of their new coach José Mourinho, is said to have offered Brown €3.5 million per season for five years, substantially more than Milan`s proposed €1.4 million plus bonuses over the same period. This last-minute intervention not only disrupted Milan`s plans but also caused considerable frustration within the club hierarchy. Matching such an offer was deemed unfeasible, as it would reportedly unbalance the team`s wage structure – a point highlighted with a touch of irony by noting it would place Brown`s salary on par with that of veteran star Luka Modric, who accepted a pay cut to join the Rossoneri.
This unexpected snub forces Milan`s sporting directors, Tare and Furlani, back to the drawing board for the left-back position. While Girona`s Miguel Gutiérrez remains a strong candidate, the market is being scoured for other potential options. Various left-backs are reportedly being proposed daily, although some names, like Melvin Bard of Nice, are currently not considered part of the club`s immediate plans.
On the right flank, the situation is equally challenging. Guéla Doué of Strasbourg is reportedly the preferred target, but negotiations have stalled due to the French club`s valuation. Milan`s second offer, raising their bid from €15 million to €18 million, was rejected. Strasbourg is reportedly holding out for at least €25 million, potentially aiming for figures exceeding €30 million – a price Milan currently considers too high, even for a player who reportedly desires the move to Italy.
With the Doué deal proving difficult, attention is increasingly turning to other options. Marc Pubill of Almeria is now gaining significant traction as a primary alternative for the right-back spot. Valued at around €15 million and also linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Pubill presents a more accessible, albeit different, profile compared to Doué. The market appears to recognize Milan`s urgency and need, leading to inflated price demands from selling clubs across multiple targets.
The mandate from coach Allegri is clear: the team requires two starting-level fullbacks to be competitive. As the pre-season progresses and the start of the league draws nearer, the pressure mounts on the Milan management to successfully navigate these market complexities and secure the necessary defensive reinforcements.
