SM Exclusive: Milan launch €12m verbal bid for Lille defender who is pushing for exit

AC Milan have made a verbal offer for Lille defender Tiago Santos ahead of the summer transfer window, we can exclusively reveal.

While a lot of the media attention surrounding Milan pertains to the search for a new head coach, the management must simultaneously scout out potential deals and opportunities to bolster the squad in view of the summer.

One of the roles that is being looked at is the full-back positions, more specifically on the right side where there appears to be more doubts than certainties at the moment.

The current options

While the purchase of a right-back might not feel like it is among the priorities heading into the summer because of the other positions that need to be addressed, Geoffrey Moncada and his team often move in surprising ways, like with the acquisition of Filippo Terracciano in January.

Looking at the current squad, we start with Davide Calabria. The captain is tied to a contract until June 2025 and talks over the renewal of his deal are apparently underway, but there are rumours that he wants his pay doubling amid some shaky performances.

Alessandro Florenzi has a contract expiring on 30 June 2025 and it seems like Milan have not yet made a final decision on the former Roma man, who joined the Rossoneri in August 2021, also given the significant salary (around €3m net per season, with no Growth Decree) that he receives.

Pierre Kalulu can be counted among the options for the right side of the defence, but it must be remarked that Stefano Pioli changed his primary position to centre-back, and he is struggling to stay fit leading to suggestions the club may cash in for a capital gain.

Alex Jimenez has played mostly for the Primavera this season and is out until June, but he is also considered among the options at right-back for years to come, especially given that reliable sources have spoken of a deal reached to make his loan from Real Madrid permanent. He could however form part of the U23 team in Serie C.

Then, we come to Filippo Terracciano who arrived from Hellas Verona for around €4.5m, but not much has been seen from him recently as he continues to struggle for opportunities. The 20-year-old is considered above all as a wild card. He can play on the right, his natural role, but can fill in at left-back, centre-back or even in midfield.