AC Milan, a name synonymous with footballing heritage and ambition, is once again at the heart of the summer transfer narrative. As the squad prepares to depart for pre-season in Singapore, the club`s management, led by its strategic figures, is working tirelessly behind the scenes to sculpt a formidable roster. Their efforts are currently focused on three pivotal acquisitions: Pervis Estupinan from Brighton, Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus, and Marc Pubill from Almeria. This trifecta of targets underscores Milan`s clear intent to strengthen defensive flanks and bolster their attacking prowess, a common theme in modern football where squad depth and quality are paramount.
The Pursuit of Pervis Estupinan: A Left-Back Ascendancy
The quest for a dynamic left-back to complement, or potentially succeed, the influential Theo Hernandez appears to be nearing its conclusion. Pervis Estupinan, Brighton`s Ecuadorian international, has emerged as Milan`s preferred choice. Reports indicate that a personal agreement has been secured: a robust five-year contract, promising a net annual salary of €2.5 million. This swiftly agreed personal term highlights the player`s keenness for a new challenge, a sentiment reinforced by his agent, Jorge Mendes, who is currently orchestrating negotiations between the clubs.
However, as is often the case in the intricate world of football transfers, the financial gap remains a point of contention. Brighton`s valuation stands at a firm €23 million, while Milan`s initial offer was a more modest €12 million plus performance-related bonuses. The Rossoneri aim to finalize the deal around €15 million, though a total figure approaching €20 million, including all variables, is considered their absolute ceiling. Brighton, ever pragmatic, has reportedly already identified and acquired a potential successor, signaling their readiness to facilitate Estupinan`s departure. With Estupinan holding a Spanish passport, the bureaucratic complexities often associated with non-EU players are thankfully circumvented, paving a smoother path for his potential arrival. After previous transfer sagas, Milan’s cautious optimism seems entirely justified. The club hopes for medicals to commence early next week, allowing Estupinan to join his new teammates in Singapore promptly.
The Striker Enigma: Dusan Vlahovic at the Forefront
While defensive reinforcements are crucial, the focus on a top-tier striker remains a significant part of Milan`s summer agenda. Dusan Vlahovic, the powerful Serbian forward from Juventus, is unequivocally Milan`s primary target for the central attacking role. Yet, this particular pursuit is fraught with complexity, reminiscent of a high-stakes chess match. Milan`s ability to “affondare” (make a decisive move) on Vlahovic is contingent upon Juventus first securing a replacement for their star striker, with David being a name widely circulated.
Milan has prepared a compelling contract offer for Vlahovic, estimated at €6 million net per season, supplemented by performance bonuses tied to goals and Scudetto triumphs. This offer, while substantial, represents a considerable reduction from the €12 million net (over €22 million gross) he is projected to earn if he remains at Juventus in the 2025-26 season. The proposed Milan deal, however, includes salary escalations in future years, particularly upon qualification for the Champions League (or top five, depending on coefficient rankings), a common incentive structure.
From Juventus`s perspective, they are keen to offload Vlahovic, whose book value amortization stands at approximately €19.5 million. A sale would significantly help their financial fair play objectives. Curiously, discussions regarding a contract renewal with Juventus have stalled, and even the idea of a one-year extension followed by a loan with a low mandatory purchase option has reportedly failed to enthuse Vlahovic`s camp. Milan observes this intricate dance, poised to intervene when the conditions align. Meanwhile, alternative options, such as Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United, have been presented to the Rossoneri, though his profile as a “pure No. 9” is debated, suggesting he might only be a loan option, should the Vlahovic deal prove unattainable.
Solidifying the Right Flank: Marc Pubill`s Medical Assessment
The right-back position is another area Milan is meticulously addressing. Marc Pubill of Almeria underwent a thorough medical assessment in Barcelona yesterday, overseen by a trusted Milan doctor. The focus was specifically on his left knee, which had been surgically repaired in autumn 2023. The results were reportedly “comforting,” a crucial piece of information for a club that prides itself on due diligence.
Despite the positive medical report, an immediate acquisition is not guaranteed. Pubill`s valuation hovers around €15 million, and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also reported to be in the running. Milan, ever the connoisseur of options, is also weighing other candidates, including Doué from Strasbourg, who commands a higher price tag of €25 million plus bonuses. This cautious approach underscores Milan’s commitment to making a well-informed decision for what they consider a “fundamental piece” of their defensive puzzle, ensuring they avoid any missteps in a critical area of the squad.
As AC Milan embarks on its pre-season tour, the transfer market remains a dynamic arena of negotiation and strategic maneuvering. The simultaneous pursuit of Estupinan, Vlahovic, and Pubill highlights a clear vision: to enhance both defensive solidity and offensive firepower. Each potential signing presents its own set of challenges, from bridging financial gaps to navigating club-specific agendas and player contract intricacies. Yet, Milan’s methodical approach, balancing ambition with financial prudence and meticulous due diligence, suggests a calculated effort to build a squad capable of competing at the highest levels. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal which pieces of this complex puzzle will fall into place, shaping the future fortunes of the Rossoneri.
Murray Blackwood