One of the departments that will undergo changes this summer at AC Milan is full-back, with a name emerging for each flank.
While waiting to see if Massimiliano Allegri opts to go with a three-man or a four-man defence at Milan, it seems likely there will be a lot of movement in the defensive area.
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Theo Hernandez is being heavily linked with an exit, while Emerson Royal and Alessandro Florenzi are tipped to leave too before the start of 2025-26, so signings could be required on both sides.
Two full-back targets
Sportitalia (via MilanNews) reports that despite continuing to refuse Al-Hilal’s offer, Theo Hernandez remains on the way out of Milan, who will then have to find a new left-back to include in Allegri’s squad.
Some intermediaries have offered the Rossoneri Oleksandr Zinchenko, whose contract with Arsenal expires in June 2026. He made just 23 appearances for the Gunners last season across all competitions, and is not the first choice for Mikel Arteta.
For the right-back role, Fiorentina’s Dodo is a player that Igli Tare and the management like. However, it will be far from an easy pursuit because La Viola have set a high asking price, given his importance to them.
If we go for 4 men defense, Dodo makes too much sense. If we stick to back 3 and I think that’s how it’s gonna play out, then RWBs are the least of our issues (Alexis and Jimenez)
deCuyper (under 25M) and Zappacosta (free agent) are the way to go. With Theo money alone you can finish the flanks.
imo, midfield and defense need important pieces. also, surprised that we aren’t gunning for Petrovic in Chelsea-Maignan deal.
Leao-Giemenz
Pulisic
deCuyper – Ricci – Fofana – Alexis
Pavlovic – Gabbia – Tomori/Leoni
Petrovic
Gabbia is not a starter. I think Milan management should use this opportunity to get Milan Skriniar from PSG. He’s on loan at fenerbache. He would give our defense the experience we need.
Finally someone who mentions Skriniar! We need experience and he was a beast in Serie A!
Gabbia is definitely a starter, he makes his cb partner play better when he’s on. Whenever he wasn’t on the defense looked really bad and was all over the place. I also doubt skrinar will want to move to Milan with history with inter and don’t think he will lower his salary to play or us anyway.
This.
I am not sure, but it is likely I think we don’t use the 3-4-3 and use the 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. Then we can get Dodo, De Cuyper and Rovella with Ricci. That to me looks like a decent squad. Definitely top 4
Get Dodo!
If they don’t sell Theo no one is coming. Milan has one left back since 2019.
Dodo is fine for RB.
I was thinking for midfield if we could try for Douglas Luiz on loan, wouldn’t be bad in my opinion.
Focus on cb, nothing will change if we go again with gabbia and pavlovic, have you Seen this huijsen yesterday??? gadou from rbs could become such a profile
hence the reintroduction of 3 men defense, something Allegri is known for
Gabbia isn’t your classical ball winner but he’s good as a central piece in 3 men system. opposite playstyle to Coppola which would be a great addition for depth.
Pavlovic – Gabbia – Tomori
Bartesaghi – Coppola – Leoni
where hopefully Leoni will be the new Boungiorno/Comuzzo of 25/26 season. the entirety of CB can be solved by Thiaw sale and reusing that money on Coppola and Leoni.
Whole heartedly agree, I like that gabbia uses his head rather than rush into a tackle. He has his cb partner to do that, which a lot of the best defenses have been like this one very aggressive and one that’s more mental and brings balance to the defense.
I would say I agree and the three centerbacks are all solid, they get too much hate for no reason where the real fault is the full backs and other players not tracking back. I saw your other comment and I feel like even with this system we need Dodo instead of Zappacosta cause then it will be good defensive depth.
Zinchenko would be great if he’s getting regular playing time – which he would because we have zero cover at LB..
I think so too. Remember him from City days and I was impressed with him. Cambiaso would be a dream though.
Zinchenko is a TERRIBLE idea. We can keep Theo then. Watched every ARS game last 2 seasons and he is a liability on D. He is more suited for midfield, or at least wingback.
without theo moving we need a right back, if theo is moving then we need 2right backs. Don’t do the same mistake for future right back also as like we have done for theo.
*leftbacks