AC Milan has officially embarked on a new chapter after announcing the departure of head coach Sergio Conceição. The club has already identified the person to spearhead their next project — Massimiliano Allegri. The experienced Italian manager, who previously enjoyed success with both Milan and Juventus, is widely regarded as the top candidate for the job.
Allegri has wasted no time in shaping the foundation for a competitive squad capable of challenging for both Serie A and European titles.
According to reports from Italian media, one of Allegri’s first transfer market priorities is to strengthen the heart of his defense. High on his wish list is Barcelona’s star defender, Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan international has established himself as a key figure in Barcelona’s backline and is widely viewed as one of Europe’s top central defenders. Allegri reportedly admires Araujo’s physical attributes, strong leadership qualities, and modern defensive versatility — all crucial characteristics for building a solid and adaptable defense.
Araujo’s performances have not gone unnoticed across Europe, with clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester United also showing interest in securing his services. However, Barcelona’s stance on the matter has been firm.
The club’s new manager, Hansi Flick, has expressed his determination to keep Araujo as a central part of his squad, emphasizing the player’s importance both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
Despite Allegri’s interest, acquiring Araujo would be a difficult task for AC Milan. Barcelona’s management has made it clear that the defender is not available for transfer unless an offer exceeding €60 million arrives.
This valuation poses a significant challenge for Milan, especially considering the club’s financial limitations and the strict salary cap rules enforced in Serie A. The financial constraints currently facing Milan make such a high-profile deal improbable in the near term.
Meanwhile, Araujo himself appears committed to remaining at Camp Nou. With a contract that runs until 2031, he has publicly reiterated his intention to stay with Barcelona and continue competing for trophies, even in light of recent managerial changes at the club following Xavi Hernandez’s exit.
As Allegri begins shaping his vision for Milan’s future, the pursuit of Araujo might ultimately be out of reach. The club’s management will likely need to explore alternative options in the transfer market to fulfill their new coach’s defensive requirements while remaining financially responsible.
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