It is time for action now. AC Milan have lost two midfielders – of different qualities, yes – but there is a lack of numbers now.

 

There is a need for Milan to make up ground quickly, which they have done already this summer, to their credit. With Massimiliano Allegri, the club worked quickly to bring him in, and now, they must do the same with other targets.

 

Midfield reshaping

Like Allegri, the move for Luka Modric was done swiftly, but he cannot be the only addition. Yunus Musah, according to reports, is on the verge of a move to Napoli, whilst Tijjani Reijnders’ time in Rossoneri is officially now over.

 

Calciomercato.com reports that a ‘significant hole’ in the team, but more specifically, in midfield, has opened. Massimiliano Allegri continues to ask for Adrien Rabiot, but even then, further additions are probably needed.

 

So, the club have also contacted the entourage of Samuele Ricci, to ‘keep the interest alive’, after the operation was paused. He is still a strong option for those at Casa Milan, who like his profile. However, it seems that it will only happen if the conditions are nicer.

 

At present, Torino are seeking a deal in the region of €35 million, a figure which is not too unreasonable, one would imagine. However, Milan consider it too high, and will not pay that much.

 

 

 

 

Bayern Munich are serious in their pursuit of Rafael Leao, while AC Milan are hesitant to let go of their No.10 this summer. Nevertheless, as highlighted by a report, the situation could always change with a big offer.

 

As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see photo at the bottom), while Leao’s situation remains complicated as always, there are three certainties. First of all, Milan want to keep him, with Igli Tare and Max Allegri convinced that they can make the most of his talent.

 

Secondly, there is a very hefty €175m release clause in Leao’s contract, and it’s clear that no club will pay that kind of money for the winger. Finally, Bayern Munich have expressed a concrete interest and could change everything with a high offer, having also attracted Leao’s attention.

 

Milan keen on keeping Leao

Above all, it will have to be understood what the Milan management considers to be an irrefutable offer. Leao earns €7m per season including bonuses and he would earn even more at Bayern, seeing as much of the big get above €8m per year at the club.

 

Milan, on the other hand, has no need to sell their No.10. Tijjani Reijnders has confirmed his move to Manchester City, Mike Maignan is one step away from Chelsea and Theo Hernandez has one foot out the door, despite the rejected Al-Hilal approach.

 

 

 

If the problem was initially cash, that is no longer the case thanks to those sales. Leao could thus remain at the club without any problems and this is something that both Allegri and Tare have stressed. They see the winger as a focal point for the project.

 

The club, on the other hand, has no need to sell. Reijnders is essentially from City, Maignan close to Chelsea, Theo Hernandez has rejected Al Hilal but remains with one foot out of Milanello. If the problem was to cash in, the solution has been found. The challenge with Leao would be different: Allegri and Tare want to keep him to give him new motivation.

 

Counterpart solution not without issues

Bayern Munich’s interest is concrete and it’s possible that this could change the situation. It doesn’t depend on the Club World Cup either, with the Germans willing to welcome him in July instead. The bigger question is whether they can get close to Milan’s asking price with a counterpart.

 

Some key candidates have emerged in that sense: Kim Min-jae, Kingsley Coman, Bryan Zaragoza, Joao Palhinha and Leon Goretzka. These are some very notable names, it goes without saying, but the path to all of them is not downhill.

 

Min-jae, for example, has a very high salary of around €9m per season and this is far too much for Milan. The same argument can be applied to Coman, Goretzka and Palhinha, with the youngster Zarahoza the only one with a reasonable salary.

 

In short, even with a counterpart involved, some negotiation skills would be needed to convince the player to l

 

 

AC Milan’s dynamic left-back, Theo Hernández, has reportedly informed the club of his desire to leave this summer, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The French international, who has been a vital figure in Milan’s recent successes, now looks set to explore a new chapter in his career, prompting the Rossoneri hierarchy to begin preparing for a potential departure.

Theo, who joined Milan from Real Madrid in 2019, has grown into one of the best full-backs in Europe, known for his blistering pace, attacking flair, and physical dominance. His contributions have been instrumental in Milan’s resurgence in Serie A and their return to the UEFA Champions League spotlight. However, after five seasons in red and black, it appears the 26-year-old feels the time is right for a new challenge.

According to GdS, Hernández has made his intentions clear to the club, and his agent has now been formally mandated to explore options on the market. Milan, understanding the realities of modern football, have not stood in his way. Instead, they have set a valuation believed to be in the region of €60–70 million, a fee that reflects his quality, experience, and importance to the team.

Several top European clubs are already monitoring the situation. Real Madrid, where Theo began his senior career, could be interested in bringing him back as a long-term replacement for Ferland Mendy. Similarly, Bayern Munich and Manchester United have both been linked in recent months, each looking to reinforce their full-back options with a player of Hernández’s caliber.

Milan’s stance is pragmatic. While they would prefer to keep Theo, they are aware of the financial benefits a sale of this magnitude could bring. The funds could be reinvested into multiple areas of the squad, particularly with a new head coach set to arrive and potential rebuild plans underway. Paolo Maldini, who had a key role in signing Theo and nurturing his development, is no longer at the club, and his absence may also be a factor in the player’s decision to move on.

Should the departure materialize, it would be a significant blow to Milan, both on and off the pitch. Theo’s personality, leadership, and attacking influence are hard to replace. However, Milan have shown in the past that they are capable of bouncing back from key exits, as seen with Donnarumma and Kessié.

The coming weeks will be crucial. If a suitable offer arrives and personal terms can be agreed, Theo Hernández could be one of the headline moves of the summer transfer window. For Milan, the challenge will be not only to replace him but also to reaffirm their ambitions as a top European club amid evolving dynamics.

Until then, fans will anxiously await clarity, knowing that the potential exit of one of their most beloved stars could mark the end of an era—and the start of a new one.

 

 

 

Big news has arrived this afternoon, as Rafael Leao has told AC Milan that he wants to leave, which is massive.

 

It seemed that Leao was going to be one of the only big players to stay this summer. However, it seems this may no longer be the case. Massimiliano Allegri has assured the Portuguese of his hopes to make him a central part of his project, however, it may not be enough.

 

 

In fact, it seems it will not be enough, as Sky Germany, via Calciomercato.com, reports that the winger has told Milan that he wants to leave the club this summer. The interest has emerged and become serious very quickly, with the two parties in discussions.

 

This morning, reports suggested that Bayern had offered a cash plus player proposal to the Rossoneri, but no official offers have been prepared just yet, as this afternoon’s update states.

 

At least €70 million will be required for the player to leave, without considering things like bonuses or options to further raise the price. So it will be interesting to see if the Bavarian club are willing to cough up that much upfront.

 

Almost all of the key players from the Scudetto win are now market-bound, it seems, what a turn of events.

 

 

With Theo Hernandez’s future away from AC Milan, a new left-back is a must this summer. So, the club are in constant contact with another Serie A club.

 

There were talks of a reset happening at Milan, and it seems that that is happening very literally. The core of the team is being gutted – and arguably then some – and there are several names being linked with replacing them.

 

Theo, Mike Maignan and Tijjani Reijnders all will not be present next season, it seems, though that list may get even bigger by the end of the mercato. Nevertheless, the club can only focus on the replacements when they are needed.

 

So, with Theo’s departure seeming imminent, discussions are being ramped up for potential replacements, and it seems Igli Tare has a preference.

 

According to Corriere della Sera (via Milan News), the sporting director is ‘insisting’ on replacing the Frenchman with Andrea Cambiaso, the Juventus wing-back, who is capable of playing on either side. In fact, the two clubs are in ‘constant contact’ over a move.

 

Considering reports are also linking Dusan Vlahovic to the Diavolo, it would not be a surprise if these discussions between the clubs continued throughout the summer. When Theo leaves, though, dominoes could begin to fall for his ideal replacement to leave Turin.

 

The outgoing market is hotter than the incoming for AC Milan at the moment, and Rafael Leao has ended up in Bayern Munich’s sights.

 

The fact that Leao – among the most talented players in the Milan squad as well as the highest paid – has ended up as a target for a top European club is not news. It has happened in almost every single recent transfer window including this one, with Arsenal first linked and now Bayern Munich.

 

Asking price and Allegri’s wish

As Tuttosport (via MilanNews) report this morning, Leao has also ended up in the sights of Saudi Pro League clubs, who have been after him for some time. The player himself has put a veto on these options, because at almost 26 years of age he wants to stay in Europe.

 

In recent days, however, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have come forward. Milan’s response has always been the same: for less than €100m, the winger won’t leave. It was a counter that instantly made the Gunners desist and it remains to be seen how the Bavarians will interpret it.

 

Leao Tare Allegri

The German club seems to be seriously interested but at the moment the offer is far from the demand. They have put €60m on the table plus a counterpart to choose from that, however, does not interest Milan.

 

In all this round of offers and proposals, one very important factor should not be forgotten that could have a say both with the club and with the player himself: the Massimiliano Allegri factor. The coach, since his time at Juventus, has been a great admirer of Leao’s game.

 

He has asked the club (it was even among his first requests) to put up a wall in front of all the proposals that could arrive. Allegri is convinced that he can take Leao to a new level, and that he will be central to his plans.

 

Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders seem to be about to say goodbye to AC Milan, but Rafael Leao will not, at least in Massimiliano Allegri’s mind.

 

According to this morning’s edition of Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews), many things will change at Milan this summer compared to the season just ended. However, this revolution will absolutely not affect Leao, who instead will be one of the pillars of Allegri’s second tenure at the club.

 

What Allegri told Milan

The new coach has never hidden his admiration for the Portuguese winger, to the point that during his time at Juventus he even showered him with compliments as an opponent.

 

We can therefore say with a degree of certainty that Allegri wishes to build around him in the present. It seems like it could be a good fit on paper, given that the Italian has always focused on having a tough defence and a counter-attacking threat.

 

In the first discussions after his return to the Rossoneri, Allegri spoke to Leao, both directly and through the club, sending him a clear message that ‘needs no interpretation’: “I want him to stay.” To paraphrase: Leao must stay because he will be central to the new Milan.

 

Allegri intends to smooth out his flaws and enhance his qualities, to give life to a project that can bring the Rossoneri team back to the top of Italy first and then, why not, Europe.

 

Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders are two of a few players who did their bit for AC Milan this season, and now the club want to lock them down.

 

First of all, it’s a question of numbers: Pulisic and Reijnders are the two top scorers for Milan in 2024-25, with 17 and 15 goals respectively in all competitions. Football isn’t just about numbers, but those of the two have not gone unnoticed around Europe.

 

It’s no coincidence that Milan had worked to renew both in unsuspecting times, also to put themselves in a position of strength in the event of offers from other clubs, aiming to secure leverage above all.

 

Now that the pitch has certified the Rossoneri’s failure to participate in European competitions in 2025-26 – and consequently keeping stars will be a little more complicated – the management continue to plan for the future starting from the American and the Dutchman.

 

Leandro Trossard of Arsenal

Protecting Pulisic

Reijnders has already signed his new contract until 2030, while for Pulisic – who if he plays on Saturday will reach 100 appearances for the Rossoneri – we are still in the negotiation phase.

 

Contacts with the American’s entourage are frequent: in recent months a draft agreement was prepared for the extension until 2029 (the current contract expires in 2027, with an option in favor of the club for a further year), but no signatures have arrived yet.

 

This is despite the proposal to increase the salary from €4m to €5m net per year. However, there are no doubts about the ending of the story: the former Chelsea player is doing wonderfully in Milan and the management respect him for his behaviour on and off the pitch.

 

This is why the intention of the directors is to relaunch in the coming weeks with a proposal for the extension until 2030, in line with what was done for Reijnders.

 

Reijnders resistance

The Dutchman, it’s no secret, is being courted by Manchester City and, in particular, by Pep Guardiola, who has put him among the first names on the list of possible reinforcements for the new season.

 

At the Rossoneri headquarters, however, they have not received any official offer at the moment. Will it arrive soon? Maybe, but it is unlikely to be close to the €70m of the minimum request to sit at the negotiating table.

 

As mentioned, Tijjani recently renewed until 2030, he loves Milan and the super season has at least tripled his valuation (he cost €20m to sign from AZ Alkmaar in 2023). This is why there is no talk of him being sold now.

 

The sales record for a Milan player at the moment belongs to Ricky Kakà, who in the summer of 2009 took the road to Real Madrid for €67m. Two summers ago, however, Tonali moved to Newcastle for €59m plus bonuses.

 

la gazzetta dello sport 20 may

Mike, Theo and Rafa

The thorniest cases – limiting ourselves to the big names in the squad – concern two Frenchmen, Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez, both of whom are expiring in 2026.

 

The goalkeeper had reached an agreement for an extension with an increase in salary, but the ups and downs of recent months have convinced the management to slow down before ratifying everything.

 

‘Magic Mike’ – who has worn the armband for months now – did not particularly appreciate it and, despite glossing over the issue in public, is waiting for the end of the season to talk again. How will it end? It is difficult to say at present.

 

Theo’s situation is also complex: the renewal would now only be possible at a lower rate than the €4.5m net of his current salary. And if Hernandez does not agree? There are two options: a sale in the summer – but at the moment there are no real offers – or to stay for his final year and leave for free.

 

No real offers have arrived even for Rafa Leao, who however has a longer contract, until 2028. Speaking of deadlines, Milan has found an agreement to extend the contracts of the youngsters Lorenzo Torriani and Davide Bartesaghi until 2030.

 

The line-up for the 2026 edition of the Supercoppa Italiana has been confirmed after the 36th round of Serie A fixtures, as the teams in the top two places of the

Serie A table have now been settled, as have this year’s Coppa Italia finalists.

 

Inter, Napoli, Milan and Bologna will be the four teams competing for the Supercoppa Italiana title in 2025-26.

 

The 2026 Supercoppa will again be a four-team mini-tournament and is set to be played in Saudi Arabia again, as it has been for the last two seasons.

 

Official: Supercoppa Italiana line-up confirmed for 2026

As second-placed Inter beat Torino 2-0 away from home in Serie A this weekend, they have moved six points clear of Atalanta with two games to go. Head-to-head records will separate the two teams if they manage to finish level on points, which means La Dea are no longer able to overtake, despite their 2-1 win over Roma on Monday night.

 

Napoli are also guaranteed to finish the Serie A season in the top two, following their 2-2 draw with Genoa over the weekend.

 

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will finish the season in third, whatever happens in their final two games.

 

Nicola Zalewski of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy.

Nicola Zalewski of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy.

Meanwhile, coming up on Wednesday night is the Coppa Italia final between Milan and Bologna, who will go on to face either Inter or Napoli in the Super Cup.

 

Nikola Moro of Bologna passes the ball whilst under pressure from Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

Moro of Bologna passes the ball whilst under pressure from Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

Milan qualified for the final after beating the Nerazzurri by a 4-1 aggregate score in the semis, and have also beaten Roma and Serie B outfit Sassuolo by a 6-1 margin on their way to the Stadio Olimpico.

 

Bologna, meanwhile, cruised past Empoli over two legs of the semi-final, which came after a 1-0 upset away against Atalanta and a 4-0 thrashing of relegated Monza.

 

Milan are the reigning Supercoppa champions, having defeated Juventus and then Inter, against the odds, during Sergio Conceicao’s first two matches in charge of the club in January.