AC Milan have had several approaches rebuffed by Real Madrid for Fran Garcia, with Xabi Alonso ready to hand the Spaniard more minutes at left-back. However, Madrid have opened the door for Ferland Mendy to leave, which could provide the perfect resolution to Milan’s search for depth at left-back.
Who Will Replace Theo Hernandez at AC Milan?
One of AC Milan’s most pressing issues this summer has been filling the void left by Theo Hernandez, who eventually succumbed to the riches of the Saudi Pro League, despite rejecting several proposals.
Hernandez, who is often regarded as one of the finest players in his position, left Milan scrambling to find market opportunities. Milan showed interest in Liverpool’s Andy Robertson earlier this month, but an astute piece of business saw them eventually move for Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan as Theo Hernandez’s replacement, completing a $22 million deal this week.
The Ecuadorian represents plenty of versatility on the left flank, and will suit Max Allegri propensity for touchline-hugging full-backs, who can both defend and attack.
FootItalia also understands, however, that Milan’s full-back business is expected to continue. One of the Rossoneri’s key issues last season, which saw them fall to their lowest Serie A finish in a decade, was a general lack of depth beyond their recognized starters.
Other than Estupinan, their only other left-back is 19-year-old Davide Bartesaghi, who is yet to make his senior debut.
It does, however, appear that Real Madrid have a market opportunity for Milan that may be too good to pass up.
🚨 Real Madrid would have no problem facilitating a move for Ferland Mendy to leave this summer. They want the left-backs to be Fran Garcia and Álvaro Carreras.
— @diarioas pic.twitter.com/Cj07zu2kgs
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) July 24, 2025
Real Madrid Put Ferland Mendy Up For Sale
Fran Garcia, who has been the subject of strong interest from AC Milan this summer, will remain at Real Madrid after the club categorically ruled out a sale.
New manager Xabi Alonso is counting on the 25-year-old as a key part of his squad, even if summer arrival from Benfica, Alvaro Carreras, is expected to start.
That leaves Los Blancos overbooked at left-back, and everything now points towards Ferland Mendy being put in the shop window.
The Frenchman missed 23 games through injury last term, and at 30-years-old, Madrid believe now is the optimal time to offload him to ensure they receive a worthwhile fee.
Although Mendy is far from Milan’s first choice from Real’s left-back roster, his availability at a rumoured $10 million could be the cut-price deal they are searching for, in order to bolster their depth.
It is interesting to note that offshore sportsbooks favor a move back to his native France, but Madrid’s open dialogue with Milan could help to facilitate a swift move.
