Milan Identify New Left-Back Target After Missing Out on Junior Firpo

Milan will have to continue searching for a new left-back as Junior Firpo is likely to move to Leeds. The latest name suggested to serve as Theo Hernandez’s backup is Groningen’s Gabriel Gudmundsson, who would be relatively cheap, Gianluca Di Marzio reported.

The Rossoneri had been tracking the Barcelona defender for some time, but they wanted him only on loan. On the other hand, Leeds blew away the competition with a €15M offer. The Blaugrana always preferred to cash in on him right away, and the player himself likes the possibility of having consistent playing time. He will pen a five-year contract, Mundo Deportivo informed.

Milan will move onto other targets for the role. They inquired about Gudmundsson, who could transfer for €4/5M. Born in Malmoe like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he joined Groningen from Halmstad in 2019. He has collected 34 appearances in two campaigns in Eredivisie, scoring twice and providing 5 assists. He played also in more offensive positions in Sweden and has 2 caps with the U-21 national team.

However, Milan are not the only side interested in the 22-year-old Swedish defender. Napoli are pursuing him as they are mulling few options at left-back too, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports. Atalanta, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are keeping tabs on him as well. On the other flank, instead, the Rossoneri continue having troubles in the talks with Manchester United to bring back Diogo Dalot. The English club would rather avoid another loan. Alvaro Odriozola is the alternative for the role and could join at favorable conditions.