Theo Hernandez remains key to any future success for AC Milan, though interest from several Premier League clubs and the threat of falling short of securing Champions League football next season has raised fears about his future with the reigning Serie A champions.
Those concerns have resulted in the Rossoneri hierarchy considering potential replacements for the French international, with the names of Fabiano Parisi at Empoli and Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo rumoured to be under consideration by the Milanese giants.
Theo Hernandez at home in Milan
After signing a contract extension last year – penning a deal that would keep the 25-year-old at the Stadio San Siro until the end of the 2025/26 campaign – Theo Hernandez looks content at the club and is already regarded as a key, and senior, member of the squad.
However, after misfortune allowed him to become first choice at full-back for France at the 2022 World Cup ahead of elder brother Lucas Hernandez, the former Real Madrid defender will want to continue operating at the highest possible level for it to remain that way.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, AC Milan’s presence in the Champions League is as important as the size of any big-money offer they might receive from an English club. Naturally, the incoming money and prestige from playing in Europe’s premier club competition makes it easier to resist such bids. It has not been reported, however, which Premier League clubs have actually expressed an interest in Theo.
Milan eye Juventus target Grimaldo
With Alex Grimaldo out of contract with Benfica at the end of the current campaign, the Rossoneri could have an instant replacement for the experience they would lose if Theo Hernandez is to move on, as the 27-year-old has over 200 appearances with the Portuguese giants.
However, domestic rivals Juventus are also reported to be interested in Grimaldo and could yet beat the Rossoneri to Champions League qualification. This has resulted in Milan also tracking a younger option in Empoli defender Parisi.
The 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength since helping the Azzurri back to Serie A in 2021 and shows plenty of room to grow with a youthful Rossoneri side, or provide immediate cover for current second-choice left-back Fode Ballo-Toure.
