Milan Confident in Estupiñán Deal as Mendes Works on New Bid
AC Milan is increasingly confident in securing the signing of Pervis Estupiñán from Brighton & Hove Albion. The Italian giants are relying on super-agent Jorge Mendes to help bridge the gap in valuation, with a new bid planned to tempt the English club. Estupiñán himself has expressed a strong desire to move to Milan, fueling the Rossoneri's optimism.
Estupiñán Keen on Milan Move
Pervis Estupiñán has made it clear that he wishes to join AC Milan, stating his desire to "grow in his career" by moving to a foreign club. This eagerness from the player is a significant boost to Milan's chances as they navigate negotiations with Brighton.
Initial Bid Rejected by Brighton
Milan has already submitted an initial offer for Estupiñán, reported to be in the range of €12 million to €14 million plus bonuses. However, this bid was swiftly rejected by Brighton, who believe their player is worth considerably more.
Brighton's Valuation a Key Hurdle
Brighton reportedly values Estupiñán significantly higher than Milan's initial offer. Having acquired him for €17.8 million in 2022, and with his contract running until 2027, the Seagulls are in a strong negotiating position. While some reports have suggested a valuation as high as €40 million, more recent indications suggest their asking price is "much lower" than €30 million.
Mendes Working to Lower Asking Price
Key to Milan's strategy is the involvement of Jorge Mendes, Estupiñán's agent and one of the most influential figures in football. Mendes is actively working with Milan to try and persuade Brighton to lower their asking price, leveraging the player's desire for the transfer.
Brighton Secure Potential Replacement
Brighton's recent acquisition of Maxim De Cuyper is seen as a strategic move that could pave the way for Estupiñán's departure. De Cuyper is considered a likely replacement for the Ecuadorian left-back, giving Brighton more flexibility in negotiations.
Manchester United's Interest
While Milan is the frontrunner, Manchester United also holds a genuine interest in Estupiñán. Milan is keen to finalize the deal quickly, particularly with pre-season preparations fast approaching, to avoid a potential bidding war.
Allegri Approves Transfer
The potential transfer of Estupiñán to Milan has the full backing of the club's new coach, Massimiliano Allegri. His approval underscores the importance of this signing as Milan looks to strengthen its squad for the upcoming season, especially after the departure of Theo Hernandez.
Key Dates in the Transfer Saga
The initial bid from Milan was reportedly made on July 17, 2025. The following day, July 18, 2025, saw a flurry of reports confirming Milan's confidence, the ongoing negotiations, and Jorge Mendes's active role in facilitating the transfer.
Key Players and Their Roles
Several key figures are involved in this potential transfer. AC Milan is seeking to bolster its defense following the departure of Theo Hernandez to Al-Hilal. Pervis Estupiñán is eager to join Milan and further his career. Brighton & Hove Albion are looking to maximize their return on investment for the player. Jorge Mendes is playing a pivotal role in negotiating the deal. Theo Hernandez's exit has created the need for a new left-back at Milan. Manchester United's interest adds a competitive element. And Massimiliano Allegri's approval is crucial for the transfer to proceed.
Valuation Discrepancy Remains a Challenge
The most significant obstacle to the transfer is the difference between Milan's offer and Brighton's valuation of Estupiñán. Bridging this gap will be crucial for the deal to be completed. The reliance on Jorge Mendes's influence highlights the complexities of modern football transfers and the importance of agent relationships.
