AC Milan is intensifying efforts to secure Andoni Iraola as their next head coach. A second in-person meeting between the Spanish manager and club representatives is slated to take place in London shortly, as owner Gerry Cardinale aims to finalize the deal swiftly and fend off competition from Crystal Palace.
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia, Milan’s initial formal engagement with Iraola occurred on May 15. During this meeting in London, Cardinale, along with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and advisor Massimo Calvelli, expressed the club’s strong interest in the former Bournemouth coach.
It is understood that a contract offer for two to three years, with an annual salary exceeding €3 million plus bonuses contingent on Champions League qualification, is on the table.
A key obstacle remains Iraola’s family’s current settlement in England. Crystal Palace, who are also pursuing the 43-year-old tactician following Oliver Glasner’s departure, are reportedly hoping to leverage this situation.
Milan is aware of the significant threat posed by the Premier League club and is eager to expedite discussions and reach an agreement.
Iraola’s appointment would be considered a sensible move for Milan, given his proven track record.
In parallel, Cardinale and Ibrahimovic have reportedly traveled to Vienna to hold discussions with Austria national team coach Ralf Rangnick regarding a potential sporting director role at the club.
Rangnick, who experienced a challenging tenure as Manchester United manager in 2021-22, has since revitalized his reputation by guiding Austria to qualification for Euro 2024 and the World Cup. Other individuals previously linked with Milan’s director of football vacancy include former Liverpool CEO Ian Ayre and ex-Atalanta recruitment chief Lee Congerton.
