Milan stalls €15‑16m Estupinan transfer as Amorim weighs his future

AC Milan have halted negotiations on a potential €15‑16 million transfer of left‑back Pervis Estupinan to Aston Villa, as head coach Ruben Amorim says he will evaluate the Ecuadorian during the club’s pre‑season tour of Australia before any summer deal is confirmed.

Pervis Estupinan joined the Rossoneri last summer in a deal reported at around €19 million, bonuses included. The investment signalled Milan’s belief in his potential as a left‑back and secured his services for the Serie A campaign. His arrival formed part of a broader strategy to strengthen the defensive flanks.

In his first Serie A league season he made 19 appearances, yet remained behind 20‑year‑old Davide Bartesaghi in the left‑back pecking order. The competition with Bartesaghi limited his opportunities to cement a regular starting spot. Consequently, the limited game time kept him on the transfer radar throughout the campaign.

The Ecuadorian has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League, this time with Aston Villa. Villa are reportedly close to selling left‑back Lucas Digne to Paris Saint‑Germain, a move that would open a spot for Estupinan in the English top flight.

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Newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim personally asked the club to pause any negotiations with Aston Villa, a stance confirmed on Saturday. He wants to assess whether the player fits into his plans for the upcoming season. Amorim’s intervention reflects his hands‑on approach to squad building in his first weeks in charge.

Estupinan returned to Milanello on 24 July but missed the pre‑season friendly against Celtic. He is expected to travel with the squad to Australia, where Amorim will evaluate his performances ahead of the 2026‑27 campaign. The Australian tour will also serve as a platform for other squad members to impress.

If Milan decide to part ways this summer, they are targeting a fee in the €15‑16 million range. Otherwise, the left‑back could remain at the Rossoneri for the upcoming season, providing depth behind Bartesaghi.

A sale would allow Milan to recoup part of their original outlay while Villa would secure a promising defender after Digne’s departure. Retaining Estupinan gives Amorim the option to develop his talent within the squad.