With the start of the Serie A season against Bari at San Siro just over a month away, AC Milan finds itself in a precarious position, still lacking first-choice fullbacks. The summer transfer window, often a period of strategic reinforcement, has instead presented the Rossoneri with unexpected hurdles and frustrations, particularly in filling crucial defensive slots.
The Archie Brown Boomerang
Milan believed they had secured their man for the left flank, a potential deputy or even successor to Theo Hernandez, or at least a cost-effective option. An agreement seemed all but finalised with English full-back Archie Brown from Gent, with terms seemingly ironed out for both the transfer fee (around €8 million) and the player`s salary (€1.4 million plus bonuses over five years). Flights and medicals were reportedly scheduled, leaving the club confident the deal was sealed.
However, in a sudden and rather dramatic turn of events, Brown reportedly changed his mind overnight. A late-night intervention from Fenerbahçe, spurred on by none other than José Mourinho, seemingly swayed the player. The Turkish club`s offer dwarfed Milan`s proposed salary, reportedly reaching €3.5 million per season for the same duration. This significant disparity was simply too much for Milan to match without disrupting their established wage structure – a structure that, rather awkwardly, saw a potential new signing earning more than the venerable Luka Modric, who recently accepted a pay cut to move to Italy.
The club`s reaction has been one of understandable disappointment, bordering on annoyance. The behaviour of both the player and his new agent, after Milan felt they had a firm commitment, has not been well-received. The search for a left-back now reverts to evaluating other options, with Girona`s Miguel Gutierrez still considered, although other names proposed, like Melvin Bard of Nice, don`t appear to fit the club`s current plans.
Right-Back Roadblocks and Rising Prices
On the right side of the defense, the situation is equally complex. Monaco`s Vanderson has been deemed too expensive. The primary target has been Guéla Doué of Strasbourg, a player reportedly keen on a move to Milan. Despite this mutual interest, negotiations with the French club have proven difficult.
Milan`s initial offer of €15 million was rejected, as was an improved bid of €18 million. Strasbourg`s valuation appears significantly higher, seeking at least €25 million plus bonuses, potentially pushing the total cost north of €30 million. This substantial price difference, despite Doué`s desire to join, has forced Furlani and Tare to seriously reconsider their options and cast a wider net.
It is in this context that Marc Pubill of Almeria has emerged as a increasingly concrete alternative. Valued at around €15 million, he represents a different profile to Doué but could offer a viable solution. However, Milan is acutely aware that their interest in players, particularly when their need is public, often triggers a price hike from selling clubs – a market dynamic that doesn`t make recruitment any easier. Pubill is also reportedly on the radar of English club Wolverhampton, which could further complicate matters.
The Urgent Need
Head coach Massimiliano Allegri requires two starting-calibre fullbacks to bolster his squad ahead of the new campaign. The recent setbacks with Brown and the persistent difficulty in securing Doué highlight the challenging nature of the current transfer window for Milan. The club needs to navigate inflated valuations and fend off competition efficiently to ensure they have the necessary defensive depth in place before the competitive fixtures begin. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Milan can successfully reinforce their defense or if they will start the season with unresolved gaps.
