AC Milan turn to Real Madrid full-back to replace Theo Hernandez with Xabi Alonso's side demanding €20m transfer fee

Milan are moving seriously in the transfer market as they aim to put an end to their struggles both in Serie A and in Europe. Having sold Hernandez to Al-Hilal, Milan are searching for a left-back and are considering a move for Real Madrid's Fran Garcia, according to a report from Calciomercato.

New sporting director Igli Tare is expected to open talks over Garcia with Madrid this week. The Rossoneri consider the 25-year-old to be the ideal candidate to fill the void left by Hernandez's departure, and his impressive performances for Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup have, in particular, caught the eye. The relationship between Madrid and Milan remains healthy, which could help ease the negotiations, but concrete conversations have not yet taken place. Per Calciomercato, Los Blancos will demand €20 million (£17.4m/$23.5m) to allow Garcia to leave.

Garcia is a product of the Real Madrid academy and made a reputation for himself while bombing up and down the left flank at Rayo Vallecano. His solid displays earned him a move to the Madrid first team in 2023, where he has had to play a squad role due to the presence of Ferland Mendy. He also started all games at left-back at the Club World Cup, and showed a much-improved version of himself, scoring a goal and delivering an assist in six starts.

Things might change in the 2025-26 season. Madrid, on Tuesday, presented Alvaro Carreras, a left-back, after signing him from Benfica. It is believed that the 22-year-old will become the first-choice left-back under Alonso. Lack of playing time, therefore, could play a role in Garcia's decision with regard to his future. He is said to be open to a departure if he can get the opportunity to play as a starter. What could complicate his potential departure, though, is the fact that Mendy is not expected to recover from his injury until October/November.

The Rossoneri are also looking to sign reinforcements in both midfield and attack. After securing Luka Modric on a free transfer, they are currently in talks with Club Brugge over Ardon Jashari, while they have also been linked with the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Victor Boniface, and Jean-Philippe Mateta.