Footmercato: OGC Nice left-back on Milan’s list – acceleration likely as Allegri approves

AC Milan need to sign a new left-back after the sale of Theo Hernandez, and a new name has emerged as a target from France.

Theo’s six years at Milan officially came to an end earlier in the week, as his permanent move to Al-Hilal was confirmed by both clubs. He didn’t leave without firing a final jab at the management though, claiming that they no longer matched his ‘values or ambitions’.

Bard in the notebook

According to Footmercato, after seeing Theo go to Saudi and after suffering a setback in the Archie Brown deal – who preferred to join Fenerbahçe in the end – Milan are working hard behind the scenes to find its new left-back.

The Rossoneri recently highlighted the name of Melvin Bard (OGC Nice), who particularly appeals to Igli Tare, the new sporting director. The French defender’s profile also reportedly received the approval of Massimiliano Allegri, convinced that Bard would fit perfectly into his tactical system.

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

The Milan management are preparing to enter into discussions with the Nice leadership. However, to date, no discussions have been made and no agreement is on the table. The Rossoneri have also circled names of Javi Galán (Atlético Madrid) and Fabiano Parisi (Fiorentina).

Milan are ‘preparing their arguments to convince Bard’, whose contract expires in June 2028. Several European clubs have already made inquiries about the 24-year-old, including Sunderland, who have even reportedly submitted an offer.

Milan, aware of this competition, could quickly accelerate this matter so as not to miss out on a new priority target in this transfer window. Bard, who already has two senior caps for the French national team, played 32 games for OGC Nice last season with two goals and one assist.