AC Milan have identified Diaz’s replacement for next season

Brahim Diaz is set to return at Real Madrid this summer but AC Milan have already identified his replacement.

At the end of the season AC Milan will have to make a final decision regarding the permanence of Brahim Diaz. The Rossoneri spent €3 million to sign the 23-year-old Spanish attacking midfielder on loan and can make his transfer permanent for another €22 million. Real Madrid on the other hand have a buy back clause of €27 million.

Nevertheless, the situation is quite clear for the management of the Italian club. AC Milan will sign Diaz permanently only if Real Madrid accept of figure of €15 million at most. An unlikely scenario considering that Real Madrid is reportedly in discussion with the player to extend his contract.

AC Milan have already started to plan for life after Brahim Diaz. Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar is the front runner to replace Diaz at AC Milan. The 24-year-old French midfielder has rejected a contract extension from Lyon and is set to leave Ligue 1 at the end of the season as a free agent.

Aouar has been linked with a summer move to Real Betis but recent reports deny rumors about a contract being signed between the two parties. AC Milan remain the top priority of Houssem Aouar who can switch easily between the attacking and central midfielder position.

The parties discussed a potential January transfer but AC Milan refused to meet Lyon’s asking price of €10 million for a player that would be available for free in six months. The Italian champions and the French midfielder have resumed talks recently. Signing a player that has over 220 appearances with Lyon, plus 41 goals and 36 assists to his name, on a free transfers is considered an excellent opportunity by the Rossoneri.

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