News from Serie A indicates that Strahinja Pavlovic is among six players AC Milan have decided not to sell despite interest from Premier League clubs.
Several AC Milan players are expected to leave this summer, but the club plans to build a new foundation around key members of the squad.
In recent hours, Rafael Leao has publicly expressed his desire to leave Milan after seven years at the club.
Leao stated that he feels his chapter with AC Milan has come to an end and that he is ready for a new challenge in a different league.
Reports suggest that Leao will not be the only major departure, as Luka Modric is unlikely to extend his contract and Adrien Rabiot, known for his loyalty to Massimiliano Allegri, is also set to move on.
Despite these impending exits, the club has identified several players who will not be sold, even as they await the arrival of a new sporting and technical director.
The first name on that list is Strahinja Pavlovic, who has attracted attention from England. For the Rossoneri, the Serbian defender has been one of the few standout performers this season, and Gerry Cardinale is particularly fond of him.
Other players Milan intend to keep include captain Mike Maignan, as well as Ardon Jashari, Davide Bartesaghi, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Christian Pulisic – all seen as central figures in the club’s new era.
Following his dismissal from Liverpool on Saturday, Arne Slot has immediately been added to the shortlist of candidates for the AC Milan managerial position.
According to reports, a crucial week lies ahead for Milan’s decision-makers as they determine the club’s future direction.
What is certain is that AC Milan will meet with Oliver Glasner and Ralf Rangnick, who are currently considered frontrunners for the roles of head coach and technical director, respectively.
Glasner recently led Crystal Palace to a UEFA Conference League title, marking his third trophy in the past year. He would represent a strong option if Rangnick agrees to oversee the project.
A meeting between Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Massimo Calvelli, and Glasner is scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the club’s plans and gauge the coach’s intentions. Financial aspects, including salary and contract terms, will also be addressed.
Matthias Jaissle of Al-Ahli remains a candidate, though his €10 million net salary could pose a hurdle, as the Saudi club is reluctant to release the 38-year-old German coach.
The path to securing Mauricio Pochettino’s services also appears challenging.
Slot’s Surprise Entry
In the coming hours, Ralf Rangnick and the Austrian Football Federation are expected to meet to discuss Milan’s interest. The Austrian national team coach is preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with their final group stage match set for June 28, meaning he will be unavailable for at least a month.
Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic is preparing to travel to the United States to work as a television commentator, temporarily pausing further decision-making at the club. As a result, Milan face a race against time to finalise their new management structure.
Yesterday, Liverpool dismissed their coach, who was instantly linked with the Milan job. French media have reported contact between Ibrahimovic and the former Feyenoord coach, with whom he previously won a league title, to potentially replace Massimiliano Allegri.
Slot finished fifth last season, the same position as Milan. It was a disappointing campaign for the Reds, marred by internal conflicts, including disagreements with Mohamed Salah and friction with key squad members.
Despite Liverpool’s record investment in the previous summer transfer window, they failed to sustain their title challenge or reach the Champions League quarterfinals. This has prompted Slot to seek a new opportunity, possibly abroad.
However, his salary remains a consideration – Slot currently earns €8 million net per season plus bonuses at Merseyside. Beyond financial terms, he reportedly wishes to understand the vision behind Milan’s new project under Ibrahimovic and Cardinale before making a decision.
Massimiliano Allegri is set to take over as Napoli’s new manager after agreeing to a two-year contract with the Serie A club.
Sources indicate that negotiations have accelerated significantly over the past 24 hours. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has now reached a full verbal agreement with the former AC Milan and Juventus coach.
The Tuscan tactician prevailed over Vincenzo Italiano in the race for the role and is expected to lead the club into the post-Antonio Conte era.
Reports suggest that Napoli’s legal and administrative teams have already begun preparing the necessary paperwork to finalise the agreement. Lawyers and transfer officials are now working on the final contractual details before the signing can be completed.
One final obstacle remains: Allegri must first resolve his contractual situation with AC Milan before the appointment can be officially announced. Once that is settled, he is expected to sign the deal that will confirm him as Napoli’s new head coach.
This appointment will mark another major chapter in Allegri’s illustrious Serie A career. The experienced coach has previously won league titles with both AC Milan and Juventus, and now faces the challenge of succeeding Conte at Napoli.
Napoli had considered several candidates in recent weeks, but Allegri’s experience, trophy record, and ability to manage pressure at elite clubs ultimately convinced De Laurentiis to make him the definitive choice.
If finalised as planned, Allegri will inherit a squad preparing for another Champions League campaign while also aiming to mount a strong challenge for the Scudetto next season.
AC Milan have just concluded a disappointing Serie A season, finishing fifth. While that position secures them a return to European competition, it will be in the Europa League rather than the Champions League.
The Italian club are now searching for a new manager following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri. They also face the prospect of replacing key players, including forward Rafael Leao, who may depart in the coming months.
Leao Set to Depart San Siro
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Portuguese winger has expressed his intention to leave San Siro. “I am proud to have made history with AC Milan, but I want a new chapter,” Leao said, as translated by Romano. “I feel ready to play in another league. I’ve given my best to Milan, but now it’s time for a new challenge.”
The 26-year-old has been a vital attacking force for AC Milan for several seasons, scoring 80 goals and providing 59 assists during his time in Italy. He joined Milan in early 2019 for €49.5 million after transferring from Lille in Ligue 1.
While the destination of his next move remains unclear, reports suggest that he could be available for as little as €43 million. For now, Leao’s immediate focus is on representing his national team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with Portugal’s first match against Uzbekistan scheduled for June 17.
