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AC Milan eyeing Tottenham star to replace Saudi bound ace

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 7:13 PM ET

Tottenham star Destiny Udogie has emerged as a target for AC Milan to replace Saudi-bound Theo Hernandez

Tottenham Hotspur remain in the transfer market for defensive reinforcements after their problems last season.

Spurs’ defensive depth got exposed horribly following injuries to first-choice centre-back duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies, their back-ups, failed to step up when called upon and were also victims of injury problems. This forced Ange Postecoglou to use midfielder Archie Gray in central defence, but the Lilywhites never really managed to stem the flow of goals.

Ange Postecoglou’s side ended up conceding 65 goals in 38 Premier League games, a statistic that highlights their desperate need for defensive improvements. However, in a market where they are eyeing quality defenders, one of their stars is attracting interest from the Serie A.

According to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera (h/t Sport Witness), AC Milan have set their sights on Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie and Leeds United’s Junior Firpo are options to replace Theo Hernandez.

Theo Hernandez is set to leave AC Milan this summer. The left-back’s agents recently met with the club for a contract renewal but the two parties could not come to an agreement. Therefore, the Frenchman’s departure from the San Siro after six years looks very much on the cards.

Hernandez, who has just a year left on his Milan contract, is leaning towards accepting Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal’s lucrative offer. They are offering him an eye-watering €18m per season contract. Milan are now planning to replace their No.1 left-back in the squad and want Destiny Udogie.

Udogie has been a mainstay at the back for Tottenham since the start of the 2023/24 campaign. The Italian has delivered consistently strong performances when fully fit, establishing himself as the undisputed left-back under Postecoglou. He produced a strong display in the Europa League final, helping his side beat Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao last month.

Despite suggestions over a possible squad revamp under a new head coach amid speculation surrounding Ange’s future, the position of Udogie at the club remains safe. He is not seen as part of the likely revamp, considering his potential and how important the left-back has been to Tottenham. The Verona-born talent’s contract at White Hart Lane doesn’t expire until 2030 (Transfermarkt), so the North Londoners should be in a relaxed mood even if Milan up their ante to sign him this summer.

All in all, with Spurs set to compete in the Champions League next season unlike Milan, it is unlikely Udogie leaves N17 and seeks a return to Italy. Spurs will also do everything within their powers to keep him at the club.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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