Paulo Amorim is reshaping AC Milan's defensive flanks as a cornerstone of his tactical blueprint, with the Portuguese manager actively pursuing reinforcements at full-back to match his high-pressing, vertical philosophy. The summer friendly against Celtic revealed glimpses of Amorim's footballing identity—abandoning deep defensive blocks in favour of ball recovery high up the pitch and explosive attacking transitions down the wings.
The Chukwueze Conversion and Saelemaekers' Role
On the right flank, Samuel Chukwueze remains central to Amorim's plans despite approaches from Trabzonspor and earlier interest from Fulham, who valued the Nigerian at €24 million last spring. Rather than offload the winger, Amorim is conducting an intensive technical conversion, transforming Chukwueze from a front-three attacking option into a deeper wide midfielder capable of orchestrating play from midfield four positions. This demands defensive discipline and creative output simultaneously—a demanding skill set that early signs suggest Chukwueze is absorbing positively. Unless extraordinary offers materialise, the 24-year-old will remain in Milan.
The left flank presents a different strategic challenge. Alexandro Saelemaekers provides one-on-one attacking quality on that side, yet Amorim craves greater balance to avoid vulnerability during transitions. Bartesaghi has already proven reliable and will also feature as a left-sided centre-back under the new regime, but the manager is actively hunting a specialist wing-back to match his intensity demands.
Transfer Targets: Estupinan, Guerreiro, and Mazraoui
Pervis Estupinan from Aston Villa has emerged as the primary target. Although negotiations with the Premier League club are advanced, Amorim deliberately paused finalising the deal to conduct a proper evaluation of the Ecuador international, believing Estupinan's previous output does not fully represent his potential. The manager's conviction offers Villa breathing room to complete formalities at their pace.
Two alternative names circulate in Milan's planning. Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui appeals to Amorim considerably, yet two obstacles remain: the Moroccan fullback has not played wing-back in midfield regularly for years, and United show no current willingness to negotiate a departure. Alternatively, Raphaël Guerreiro represents an intriguing free-agent solution following his Bayern Munich departure. Although born in 1993 and no longer in his physical prime, the Portuguese left-back arrives with elite credentials—42 goals and 47 assists across 223 Bundesliga appearances, including his Borussia Dortmund years. His CV signals experience at the highest level, exactly the profile Amorim may require for immediate impact.
Milan's full-back recruitment will define whether Amorim's transition succeeds. The coming weeks will reveal whether Estupinan completes his move or a free-transfer gamble on Guerreiro reshapes the squad's left flank.
