The football world, much like a well-tended garden, sees cycles of growth and departure. For AC Milan, the current season of pruning has begun with a rather significant limb: Theo Hernández, a cornerstone of their recent history, has packed his bags for Al Hilal. This departure, rather than leaving a void, has instead created an urgent, albeit well-funded, quest for suitable replacements. At the forefront of this pursuit are two names echoing through the transfer market: Archie Brown and Nicolas Jackson.
The Left-Back Ledger: Chasing Archie Brown
With Hernández`s sudden exit, the left-back position became an immediate priority for the Rossoneri. Enter Archie Brown, the 23-year-old English talent from KAA Gent, now reportedly Milan`s prime target to fill those rather large boots. Valued at approximately €10 million by his current club, Brown brings a robust physical presence (190cm, for those keeping score at home) and a track record of consistent performance, including 46 appearances, 3 goals, and 6 assists last season.
His journey from Derby County`s youth ranks to Swiss promotion with Lausanne, and then to a starring role in Belgium, paints a picture of steady progression. Milan`s urgency is palpable: they aim to secure Brown before their imminent Asia and Australia tour, sidestepping competitors like Fenerbahce, who initially seemed to have the upper hand. The negotiation, typical of modern football`s delicate dance, sees Gent holding out for their valuation while Milan leverages Brown`s apparent preference for a move to Serie A. It`s a pragmatic move, less financially onerous than other reported targets, suggesting Milan`s “data-driven” approach is firmly in play, even if it occasionally raises eyebrows among the purists.
Striking Gold: The Jackson Conundrum
Meanwhile, Milan`s attacking ambitions are far from settled with Santiago Gimenez due back from his post-Gold Cup holidays in August. The hunt for a complementary forward has zeroed in on Nicolas Jackson, the 2001-born Senegalese striker currently donning Chelsea blue. Jackson`s tenure at Stamford Bridge, acquired for €37 million from Villarreal in 2023, has been, shall we say, eventful. While his 30 goals in 81 appearances are respectable, it`s his penchant for ill-timed red cards – two towards the end of last season, including one at the Club World Cup – that has reportedly led Chelsea`s new management to seek more “composed” alternatives.
Now, with new forwards reportedly joining Chelsea, Jackson finds himself with bags metaphorically packed. Chelsea`s asking price of at least €45 million is a statement, but Milan, unburdened by European fixtures and seemingly in no immediate rush, is content to “play on multiple tables,” a diplomatic way of saying they`re assessing all options while waiting for the price to become more palatable. Jackson is by no means the only name on the list, with Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Boniface also high on Tare`s radar, hinting at a desire for top-tier reinforcement rather than just a stop-gap.
Beyond the Headlines: Defensive Depth and Goalkeeping Shifts
Beyond these marquee pursuits, Milan`s defensive revamp extends to the right-back position, with Guéla Doué of Strasbourg emerging as a primary target. A rejected €15 million initial offer suggests Milan`s determination, while Pubill of Almeria and the prohibitively expensive Vanderson of Monaco remain on the periphery. Even the goalkeeping department will see changes, as Pietro Terracciano of Fiorentina is reportedly set to step in as the new reserve, following Sportiello`s expected departure.
A Summer of Calculated Risks
As the pre-season calendar looms, AC Milan`s technical directors find themselves orchestrating a complex symphony of ins and outs. The immediate future of the squad, particularly the defensive line and secondary strike force, hinges on these negotiations. Whether the “algorithm Milan” will produce a harmonious blend of talent or a cacophony of missteps remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Rossoneri are not merely filling gaps; they are attempting to redefine their roster for a season without European distractions, aiming to reclaim their place at the summit of Italian football. The stage is set for a fascinating summer, and the fans, ever vigilant, will be watching closely to see if these calculated risks yield championship rewards.