AC Milan have turned their attention back to Brighton and Hove Albion’s Yasin Ayari as a potential replacement for Luka Modric.
The Italian club are currently looking ahead to next season’s midfield. They are aware that Modric, now 41-years-old, could end his career next summer.
While their midfield is currently the most crowded area of the squad, the management are already planning for next season.
Modric is a key figure under Ruben Amorim, but this could be his final season. And that means the club need to look for a replacement.
Modric replacement
Thus, Tuttosport report that executives and scouts have already begun monitoring potential targets for next season.
One name making a ‘strong comeback’ is Brighton’s Ayari. Milan have been tracking him for at least two years. Geoffrey Moncada – head of scouting in 2025 – identified him as a player to watch before Milan decided to pursue other targets.
In the meantime, Ayari has continued to develop at Brighton. Last season he made 32 appearances in all competitions, before playing for Sweden at the World Cup.
Milan particularly appreciate his versatility given he plays in various midfield roles for Brighton and Sweden. That makes him attractive for the Italian club should they look to expand their midfield options.
€40m valuation
Next summer could be the ideal time to mov too as Ayari’s current deal runs until 2027. Brighton have an option to extend that by another year.
Either way, it would make sense for them to sell next summer if the player indicates he won’t sign a new deal.
Tuttosport say that they’ve value the midfielder highly, with the current price exceeding €40m. Whether Milan would be willing to spend that isn’t mentioned.
They’re not the only suitors. Roma were interested in the summer, and several other European clubs are monitoring the 22-year-old as well. For now, Milan are keeping a close eye on his development as they plan for life without Modric.
