AC Milan’s search for a new manager is continuing to attract major attention across European football, with recent reports suggesting the Italian giants may now be turning their focus toward former Liverpool boss Arne Slot after appearing likely to miss out on Andoni Iraola.
For several weeks, Iraola had reportedly emerged as one of Milan’s preferred options as the club looked for a coach capable of leading a new era at the San Siro. The Spaniard’s work in the Premier League attracted admiration because of his aggressive tactical approach, attacking football, and ability to maximize player performances. However, recent developments now suggest Milan could struggle to convince him to join the project, particularly with Liverpool heavily linked to appointing him following Slot’s departure from Anfield.
Oliver Glasner has also reportedly entered discussions as another candidate under consideration by the Serie A side. The Austrian coach continues to receive praise for his tactical flexibility, strong organization, and ability to build competitive teams capable of performing above expectations. Nevertheless, despite the growing list of managerial targets, fresh reports now indicate that Arne Slot himself has become one of the leading names in Milan’s thinking.
According to reports from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Dutch coach is now viewed as a serious contender to become Milan’s next manager following his dismissal by Liverpool earlier today. Discussions are reportedly already taking place behind the scenes as Milan attempt to shape the future direction of the club both on and off the pitch.
The reports also claim that Ramon Planes is currently the frontrunner to become Milan’s new sporting director, potentially replacing Igli Tare. If those appointments are eventually completed, Milan could undergo a major structural and tactical transformation ahead of the new season.
At first glance, the possibility of Slot moving directly from Liverpool to AC Milan may surprise many supporters. His departure from Anfield has naturally damaged perceptions surrounding his managerial reputation in some football circles, especially given the enormous expectations attached to managing a club of Liverpool’s stature.
However, many analysts believe the situation at Liverpool was far more complicated than the results alone may suggest. While Slot certainly faced criticism for aspects of Liverpool’s defensive organization and their out-of-possession structure, reports and discussions surrounding the club also pointed toward deeper issues involving squad balance and recruitment decisions.
Throughout the campaign, Liverpool reportedly struggled with defensive stability and tactical consistency in key moments, particularly against elite opposition capable of exploiting transitions quickly. Critics often highlighted weaknesses in the pressing structure and the team’s ability to control games without possession.
Even so, there remains a belief among many observers that Slot’s tactical ideas and coaching qualities should not be dismissed entirely because of one difficult period at a high-pressure club.
Prior to his Liverpool spell, the Dutch manager built a strong reputation for developing young players, implementing attacking football, and improving squad cohesion through intelligent tactical systems.
That is partly why Milan may still view him as an attractive option despite his recent dismissal. The Serie A club are believed to be searching not only for a coach capable of delivering immediate results but also for someone who can help establish a long-term football identity centered around development, structure, and tactical modernization.
At Milan, Slot could potentially work in a very different environment compared to the pressure and expectations he experienced at Liverpool. The Italian club reportedly sees value in his ability to improve younger players and create fluid attacking systems that maximize technical quality across the squad.
Many believe Milan’s current group of young talents could suit Slot’s methods well. His preference for energetic pressing, positional rotations, quick attacking combinations, and aggressive football may align naturally with the direction the club wants to move toward over the coming years.
Another factor that could make the move appealing for both sides is the opportunity for rehabilitation. For Slot personally, Milan could provide the ideal environment to rebuild his reputation quickly after the disappointment of losing his position at Liverpool.
A successful spell in Serie A would immediately re-establish him among Europe’s respected coaches and prove that his difficulties at Anfield were not entirely reflective of his overall managerial ability.
For Milan, appointing a younger tactically-focused manager could also represent a clear statement about the club’s future ambitions. Rather than relying solely on experienced veteran coaches, the club may be looking to modernize its football identity from top to bottom through a long-term strategic project.
The possible arrival of Ramon Planes as sporting director would reportedly fit that vision as well. Known for his work in player recruitment and squad building, Planes could help create a more unified sporting structure capable of supporting the manager’s tactical philosophy consistently through future transfer windows.
Although nothing has been officially finalized yet, the growing links between Milan and Slot have already generated significant discussion among supporters.
Some fans remain uncertain because of the Dutchman’s difficult ending at Liverpool, while others believe his tactical approach and developmental qualities could make him an excellent fit for Serie A football.
As Milan continue evaluating their options, the coming weeks are likely to prove crucial in determining who will lead the club into its next chapter. If negotiations with Slot continue progressing positively, what initially seemed like a surprising possibility could soon develop into one of the biggest managerial stories of the summer.
