De Zerbi to coach Chukwueze? AC Milan target Brighton boss after fans protest against Lopetegui

In a bid to fill the managerial void left by Stefano Pioli's impending departure, AC Milan is reportedly eyeing a move for Roberto De Zerbi as their next head coach.

Following AC Milan's failure to clinch the Serie A title, the club is preparing to bid farewell to Stefano Pioli at the conclusion of the current season. With Pioli set to depart, the Rossonerri are actively seeking his replacement and have identified Roberto De Zerbi as a potential candidate, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport.

As AC Milan assesses their options, they are carefully considering the financial implications of pursuing De Zerbi. The Brighton boss is reported to have a release clause of €15m (€17m) in his existing contract, which runs until June 2026. The club's decision hinges on their ability to meet this financial obligation.

Previously linked with former Wolves, Real Madrid, and Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui, AC Milan faced backlash from their supporters, leading to the abandonment of their pursuit. 

With De Zerbi emerging as a potential candidate, the club aims to navigate the managerial transition smoothly while ensuring alignment with fan expectations.