AC Milan finds itself in a rather precarious position as the new Serie A season looms just over a month away. The priority? Reinforcing the defense, specifically the full-back positions. The objective is clear: secure not one, but *two* starting-caliber defenders to bolster the flanks. However, navigating the summer transfer market is proving to be a considerably complex, perhaps even frustrating, exercise for the Rossoneri management.
The Left-Back Letdown: A Snub and Soaring Costs
The search for a left-back, a potential understudy or long-term successor to the dynamic Theo Hernandez, hit an unexpected roadblock. Milan believed they had successfully courted Archie Brown from Gent, with an agreement seemingly finalized. Flights were reportedly booked, medical tests arranged. The player himself confirmed his readiness to travel to Milan.
Then came the late-night call. In a dramatic turn that underscores the unpredictable nature of modern football transfers, Brown reportedly received a significantly more lucrative offer from Fenerbahçe, heavily influenced, it is said, by manager José Mourinho. Milan`s offer of €1.4 million per season plus bonuses for five years was swiftly eclipsed by a reported €3.5 million per season from the Turkish club. Milan, prioritizing wage structure and perhaps harboring a degree of displeasure at the player and his agent`s eleventh-hour maneuver (reports mentioned the agent being conveniently unavailable for a period), immediately withdrew. Matching the new salary would have placed Brown`s earnings on par with a seasoned, world-class player who recently *reduced* his salary to join Milan, an untenable position for the club`s financial model.
This unexpected setback means Milan is back to square one, needing to identify a new left-back target. Finding a quality player at the previously agreed-upon modest fee is now considerably harder, forcing the club to potentially invest more. Miguel Gutierrez of Girona remains a name frequently linked, among a host of other left-sided defenders being proposed daily, although some, like Melvin Bard of Nice, are reportedly not in Milan`s current considerations.
The Right-Back Riddle: Doué`s Price Tag and Pubill`s Profile
On the right side of the defense, the situation is equally challenging, albeit for different reasons. While initial links to Vanderson of Monaco proved too expensive, Strasbourg`s Guéla Doué emerged as the preferred option. Milan has reportedly submitted two offers, the latest rising to €18 million. However, Strasbourg`s valuation remains steadfastly at €25 million plus bonuses, a considerable distance from Milan`s proposal. Despite reports suggesting Doué is keen on the move to Milan, the financial gap persists.
This standoff has forced Milan to cast a wider net, with Marc Pubill of Almeria now gaining significant traction. Valued around €15 million, Pubill represents a more accessible target, though he reportedly possesses a different playing profile than Doué. Adding another layer of complexity, Pubill is also attracting interest from clubs like Wolverhampton, suggesting Milan may face competition, potentially driving his price up. It seems the market, aware of Milan`s pressing need for defensive reinforcements (a requirement head coach Allegri has reportedly emphasized), is keen to play the “raising the stakes” game specifically against the Rossoneri.
With time ticking down before the season opener, Milan`s hierarchy faces a crucial period. Securing two suitable full-backs who fit both the tactical needs and the club`s financial parameters is paramount. The recent market maneuvers highlight the difficulties in achieving this, transforming a recruitment necessity into a high-stakes test of negotiation and strategy.
