Arsenal "closely tracking" AC Milan defender

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 24 Dec 2024 02:21 CST
3 min read

Theo Hernandez, AC Milan, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are among a trio of Premier League clubs keeping an eye on one of AC Milan's biggest stars.

Indeed, the Gunners, Chelsea, and Manchester City are closely tracking the situation of AC Milan’s star left-back Theo Hernandez, according to an exclusive report from TBR Football.

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Chelsea's interest in Hernandez dates back to May, despite the presence of established left-backs Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell in their squad. Although transfer expert Fabrizio Romano previously dismissed Arsenal's links to Hernandez in April, claiming Milan had no intention of selling, they are now.

In fact his contract talks have been stalling, Arsenal could view him as a transformative addition to their squad as they aim to challenge for domestic and European honours.

For Manchester City, the pursuit of Hernández could resolve a long-standing issue. Pep Guardiola has relied on makeshift options like Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and Rico Lewis to fill the left-back role.

With just 18 months left on his current deal, the Serie A club has struggled to persuade the defender to commit to an extension. Adding to the uncertainty, his relationship with manager Paulo Fonseca has reportedly soured since the Portuguese coach’s arrival in the summer.

Current ETV

Theo Hernández

D (L)

Milan

Theo Hernández

D (L)

Milan

ETV Range

€24.9M - €41.5M

Despite being hailed as “the best full-back in the world” by Fonseca ahead of Milan’s 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona, Hernández has found himself sidelined at times this season. Saelemaekers occasionally preferred.

Bayern Munich has also identified Hernández as a potential replacement for Alphonso Davies, who is rumored to be considering a move away from the Allianz Arena next summer.

Hernandez closer to Milan stay?

One of the reasons why the media has been so quick to speculate about the future of Hernandez is his tense relationship with new Milan boss Paulo Fonseca.

Hernandez was recently dropped and also made headlines earlier in the season when he, alongside Rafael Leao, ignored Fonseca when he gathered his players for a team talk after being benched.

However, Fonseca has now sought to break the ice ahead of Milan's clash with Hellas Verona. “Theo’s situation is easy to explain. He has played a lot, he has been in the national team, but he hasn’t found his best physical condition now, he needs to renew his condition to be well," he said.

"Theo is a very important player for us, it is never a punishment but simply to get him back into the best condition we know how. For me, he is the best full-back in the world.”