AC Milan Step Up Chase for Strasbourg’s Doue After Missing Out on Pubill

AC Milan Prepare New Bid for Strasbourg Right-Back Amid Summer Squad Rebuild

AC Milan’s summer transfer window is heating up—and with it, the search for a new right-back has taken a new twist. After narrowly missing out on signing Almería’s Marc Pubill, who is now headed to Atletico Madrid, the Rossoneri have turned their full attention to Strasbourg’s highly-rated talent, Saïdou Sow Doue.

According to reports from Calciomercato, Milan are readying a renewed bid worth €22 million including bonuses, after their initial offer was deemed insufficient by the French club. Strasbourg, for their part, remain firm in their valuation, holding out for €30 million. It’s a negotiation that is still on the table, and one Milan are keen to resolve swiftly as they continue an ambitious rebuild under returning head coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Doue Becomes Milan’s Primary Right-Back Target

The need for reinforcements at full-back has been well documented at Milan, especially after a turbulent campaign where defensive depth proved to be a weakness. Pubill was seen as a strong candidate to bolster the squad, but the Spanish defender chose a different path after Atletico Madrid swooped in late and reportedly outbid Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure his signature.

With Pubill no longer an option, Milan’s focus has turned to 21-year-old Doue, who has caught the eye in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg. The Frenchman—who also happens to be the younger brother of PSG forward Désiré Doué—is seen as a dynamic and technically gifted option down the right flank.

Allegri, who is known for building robust, well-drilled backlines, is believed to be an admirer of Doue’s blend of attacking flair and defensive discipline. At just 21, he still has significant room for growth and could represent a long-term solution in a position where Milan have struggled to find consistency.

Behind the Bid: A Strategic Move in a Summer of Change

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Doue’s potential arrival would not only add quality on the pitch but would also serve as a statement of intent from Milan’s management, who are determined to close the gap to their Serie A rivals and make a return to serious contention both domestically and in Europe.

The club is well aware of the growing interest around Doue across Europe and is eager to seal the deal before other suitors emerge. While the €30m asking price might seem steep, Milan view the investment as worthwhile for a player who could lock down the position for the next five to seven years.

Sources close to the club suggest Milan will return with an improved offer structured with add-ons and performance bonuses to bring Strasbourg closer to the negotiating table. A compromise could yet be reached, especially if Milan include favourable terms such as a sell-on clause or friendly payment schedule.

Ownership Tensions Linger Between Milan and Strasbourg

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Negotiations with Strasbourg, however, are not entirely straightforward. Relations between Milan and the French club have reportedly cooled in recent months due to ownership ties and a transfer dispute involving goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Both clubs operate under the umbrella of BlueCo, the consortium also in control of Chelsea. Friction developed earlier this summer when Chelsea made advances for Maignan, only for Milan to stand firm on their valuation—one Chelsea were unwilling to meet.

That refusal has apparently created tension, and there’s speculation that it could affect the current talks over Doue. Still, from Milan’s perspective, business is business. If Doue fits their sporting project, they will push ahead—regardless of internal politics.

Emerson Royal Likely to Make Way as Milan Eyes Doue

The arrival of a new right-back also raises questions about the future of Emerson Royal. The Brazilian has been linked with a move away this summer, with Besiktas among the clubs reportedly interested in bringing him to Turkey.

While Emerson’s time at Milan hasn’t been a total failure, he has struggled to convince over a full season. A transfer would clear the path for Doue to arrive and integrate into the squad without having to share responsibilities with a high-profile incumbent.

Doue would bring a fresh energy to the position—a more modern full-back capable of tucking inside in midfield or overlapping in wide areas. His development in Ligue 1, combined with his technical profile, aligns well with Allegri’s plans to adopt a more fluid and progressive system in his second spell at San Siro.

Estupiñán Also on the Radar in Milan’s Defensive Overhaul

Doue isn’t the only name being linked with a Milan move this summer. Brighton’s Pervis Estupiñán is also believed to be close to joining the club, as Allegri seeks to address both flanks of the defence. The Ecuadorian left-back has been a standout performer in the Premier League and would bring instant quality and experience to the Rossoneri back line.

If both moves are completed, it would represent a significant step forward in Milan’s quest to re-establish themselves as a dominant defensive force. It’s a position the club has long prided itself on, with legends like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, and Cafu setting the standard in decades past.

Final Thoughts: Doue Could Be the Future of Milan’s Right Flank

In many ways, the pursuit of Saïdou Doue represents more than just a transfer. It reflects Milan’s desire to modernise their squad, to be more proactive in the market, and to build a younger, more dynamic core that can compete for years to come.

At just 21, Doue ticks all the boxes. He’s versatile, athletic, technically sound, and hungry for the next step in his career. A move to the San Siro would be a leap forward—and one that could define Milan’s right flank for the foreseeable future.

The next few days will be crucial. If Milan can bridge the gap with Strasbourg and finalise the deal, they’ll be adding one of Ligue 1’s brightest young defenders to their ranks—and sending a message to the rest of Serie A that the rebuild is real, and it’s picking up pace.