AC Milan Pursues Pervis Estupiñán with Increased Confidence
AC Milan is actively pursuing Brighton & Hove Albion left-back Pervis Estupiñán and is reportedly confident in securing the deal. Despite an initial bid deemed too low by Brighton, Milan plans to increase their offer in the coming days. Super-agent Jorge Mendes is playing a key role in negotiations, working to bridge the gap between the clubs' valuations.
Estupiñán Eager to Join Milan
A significant factor driving Milan's confidence is Estupiñán's strong desire to join the Serie A club. The 27-year-old Ecuadorian international has reportedly given the "green light" to the transfer and "expressed his desire to play for Milan." This eagerness is seen as a crucial advantage in Milan's negotiation strategy.
Initial Bid Rejected; New Offer Planned
Milan's initial bid for Estupiñán was reportedly around €12 million, according to MilanNews and La Gazzetta dello Sport. Other sources, such as Gianluca Di Marzio and Calciomercato.com, suggest a slightly higher offer of €14 million plus add-ons. However, Brighton & Hove Albion has rejected this initial approach, considering it far below their valuation of the player.
Brighton's Valuation a Key Obstacle
Brighton reportedly values Estupiñán at approximately €40 million, according to FootItalia.com. This significant difference between Milan's offer and Brighton's asking price is the primary obstacle in the negotiations. Brighton's strong position is reinforced by Estupiñán's contract, which runs until June 2027.
Jorge Mendes' Role in Negotiations
Super-agent Jorge Mendes, who represents Estupiñán, is actively involved in the negotiations. Mendes is working to lower Brighton's asking price and facilitate the transfer. His involvement is seen as a positive sign for Milan, given his experience in complex transfer dealings.
Theo Hernandez's Departure Spurs Search for Left-Back
Milan's pursuit of Estupiñán stems from the need to reinforce their left-back position following Theo Hernandez's departure. The club views Estupiñán as an ideal replacement and is keen to finalize a deal quickly, especially with pre-season training approaching.
Manchester United's Potential Interest Adds Complexity
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is reported interest from Manchester United in Estupiñán. This potential competition could drive up the price and make it more challenging for Milan to secure the player's signature. However, Estupiñán's preference for Milan is believed to be a key factor in their favor.
Estupiñán's History and Previous Transfer Fee
Brighton acquired Estupiñán from Villarreal in 2022 for €17.8 million. His performances for the Seagulls have since increased his value, leading to Brighton's high asking price. Prior to Brighton, Estupiñán honed his skills at Villarreal, showcasing his talent in La Liga and European competitions.
Alternative Targets Considered by Milan
If Milan fails to reach an agreement with Brighton for Estupiñán, the club has identified alternative targets. These include Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt and Miguel Gutierrez from Girona. Milan aims to secure a left-back solution promptly to address the void left by Hernandez.
Fan Reaction and Concerns
Fan reactions to the potential transfer have been mixed. Some supporters have expressed skepticism about Milan's management and their ability to negotiate a fair price. Others have raised concerns about Estupiñán's injury record, urging the club to thoroughly assess his fitness before committing to a deal.
