Manchester City plot stunning left-back swoop as AC Milan contract talks hit stumbling block | OneFootball

Etihad Stadium bosses are monitoring Theo Hernandez’s contract situation at AC Milan ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

The France international is tied with the Italian giants until the summer of 2026 and talks over a contract renewal at the San Siro are reported to have reached a stand-off in recent weeks and months.

AC Milan are believed to be preferring a summer sale for the 27-year-old, who has attracted interest from the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City plan a series of signings to rebuild once more under Pep Guardiola following a disappointing season.

Over in Spain and La Liga giants Real Madrid are also believed to have held a long-standing interest in Hernandez, who is now expected to leave AC Milan in the summer but likely only for a blockbuster transfer fee.

Manchester City could themselves do with a solid left-back signing at the end of the season having sold Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal in 2022 and Josko Gvardiol – primarily a centre-back – having largely filled in on the left flank since his arrival in 2023.

Milan are struggling in the race to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League and are expected to cash in on Hernandez, who could be sold for a fee between €35 million and €40 million, Caught Offside report.

Manchester City are unlikely to match AC Milan’s aforementioned asking price and would negotiate to arrive at a fair figure for a player who will have 12 months left on his contract at the San Siro.

Nathan Ake – another Manchester City defender who has often filled in at left-back – has struggled with injuries again this term and it remains to be seen what the summer holds for the 30-year-old, whose current deal at the Etihad Stadium runs out in 2027.

Hernandez is seemingly one of Manchester City’s primary targets at left-back and a bargain price tag could mean incoming sporting director Hugo Viana accelerates an approach for the defender come the end of the season.