With the new Serie A season just over a month away, AC Milan finds itself in a rather precarious position: still searching for starting fullbacks. The Rossoneri had hoped to secure key defensive reinforcements early in the window, but the unpredictable nature of the transfer market, combined with some sharp elbows from competitors, has thrown a significant spanner in the works.
The hunt for a left-back, whether as a genuine alternative or a potential heir to Theo Hernandez, hit an unexpected snag. Milan believed they had reached a solid agreement for Archie Brown from Gent. They had matched Galatasaray`s €8 million offer and were so confident that flights were booked, and medical tests were scheduled. It seemed a done deal, practically sealed with a kiss.
Then came the late-night plot twist. Brown`s agent contacted the club to explain that a timely phone call from the Fenerbahçe president, no doubt encouraged by the persuasive powers of a certain prominent manager now residing in Istanbul, had dramatically altered the landscape. Along with the phone call came a radically improved offer – a yearly salary package of €3.5 million over five seasons, significantly more than Milan`s proposed €1.4 million plus bonuses.
Milan’s management, led by Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani, understandably declined to enter a bidding war that would have seen a young defender earning a salary comparable to that of a veteran, multi-Ballon d`Or winning midfielder who took a wage cut to join the club. The club was left not only without their intended signing but also, perhaps more pointedly, quite unimpressed by the player and his agent`s sudden change of heart after previous assurances. With Brown heading to Turkey, Milan is forced back to the drawing board on the left flank. Miguel Gutierrez of Girona remains an option under consideration, while others like Melvin Bard of Nice have been proposed but aren`t seen as suitable targets.
On the right side of defence, the situation is similarly complex. Monaco`s Vanderson has been deemed prohibitively expensive, leaving Guéla Doué of Strasbourg as the primary target. Milan’s persistent efforts, including a second offer reportedly rising to €18 million (up from an initial €15 million), have been firmly rejected by Strasbourg, who are digging in for a minimum of €25 million plus bonuses, potentially pushing the total fee beyond €30 million. Despite reports that Doué himself is keen on the move and has requested to leave, the financial gap remains significant.
Consequently, alternative options are gaining traction. Marc Pubill of Almeria is now being considered, although he possesses different playing characteristics compared to Doué. Pubill would reportedly cost around €15 million and is also on the radar of Wolverhampton Wanderers in England. There`s a palpable sense that whenever Milan expresses interest in a player, the asking price seems to experience an immediate, almost comical, upward adjustment from the selling club. It appears everyone knows Milan is in need of reinforcements, specifically, according to coach Massimiliano Allegri, two starting fullbacks.
With the preseason schedule progressing and the start of competitive fixtures looming, the pressure is undeniably building on Milan`s transfer strategists. Navigating a market where prices inflate seemingly upon their enquiry and dealing with unexpected last-minute changes of heart requires both patience and decisive action. Finding the right pieces for the fullback puzzle quickly and efficiently is now one of the most critical tasks facing the Rossoneri ahead of the new campaign.
Adrian Whitmore