AC Milan have reportedly identified Roberto De Zerbi as one of several coaches who could succeed outgoing manager Stefano Pioli.
Julen Lopetegui had also been heavily linked with a move to take over the Serie A giants, but in recent days, it appears Milan are “looking at alternative options to the former Wolves boss”, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Reports claim that Pioli will leave his position as Milan head coach at the end of the season. The decision was made after the Italian team was defeated by neighbors Inter Milan 2-1 last week, and the victory also allowed their rivals to clinch the Serie A title.
But speculation that Lopetegui could be named Milan’s next coach attracted widespread scrutiny from many Milan fans. Supporters took to social media writing the hastag ‘#Nopetegui’, while a petition with 10,000 signatures reportedly appeared online in less than 48 hours.
AC Milan are reportedly interested in having Roberto De Zerbi added to their shortlist
It comes as Stefano Pioli will reportedly leave the Italian football club at the end of this summer.
Speculation was also growing that the Serie A team could turn to Julen Lopetegui.
According to the Gazzetta, it looks like the Serie A side will turn their attention to other managers, one of which includes the Brighton boss. From Zerbi.
The outlet claims that a move to Milan would be “one that would fascinate” De Zerbi, but adds that the Rossoneri would have to “meet their £12m (€15m) release clause”.
He is joined by Paulo Fonseca, Mark Van Bommel, and the Brighton boss has already been linked with a move to Manchester United, should the Red Devils part ways with Erik ten Hag.
De Zerbi was also touted as a strong candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp before the Reds swooped in to land Arne Slot from Feyenoord.
The former Sassuolo manager is coming to the end of his second season in charge of Brighton and has struggled to build on the success his team enjoyed last season, finishing sixth while qualifying for the Europa League.
The Seagulls were recently knocked out of the Europa League, suffering a 4-1 defeat to Roma in the round of 16, and have fallen to 12th place this season, having not won a game since beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 at AMEX stadium. On March 10.
However, De Zerbi has previously warned Brighton that they must match his ambitions if they want him to remain in charge of the club next season. Bayern Munich is also closely following the Italian coach, who has two years left on his contract at AMEX.
‘What is the OBJETIVE? What are we playing for?’ De Zerbi said, when asked what had made him hesitate at the beginning of this season.
‘I have already spoken to Tony and in the future we will talk about the next plan and the next season and to organize the next season and then we will find the solution. “We both have to be happy (with the objectives), me and the club.”
Lille coach Paulo Fonseca is being considered as another option AC Milan could turn to
Mark Van Bommel, current Royal Antwerp coach, is another name on Milan’s shortlist
De Zerbi, who could be available for £12m, previously ruled out an immediate move to Italy.
He continued: “I have another two years on my contract and to work next season at Brighton I don’t need to extend another year or two more years.” I can stay, I can work in Brighton with an extension, without an extension nothing changes.
‘At this moment we finished the discussion about the contract but not because I have decided to leave yet, no, no. My focus is on Brighton for this season and next, but next season, before we start, I would like to talk and hear the team’s plan. I think it’s something serious.’
Despite this, De Zerbi stated in March that he had no immediate plans to return to Serie A, having come through the youth ranks of AC Milan as a youngster.
The Italian coach has two years left on his contract at AMEX
De Zerbi has stated that he wanted Tony Bloom (pictured) and Brighton to live up to his ambitions.
“It’s not true that I don’t think about it,” said the 44-year-old when asked about his return to the Italian top flight.
‘But normally, I do what makes me happy and right now, that’s where I am.
‘One day I will return to Italy. “I don’t know when, but when I made the decision to go to Shakhtar I did it because I wanted to find a way to leave Italy.”