AC Milan has a clear path to signing Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, and it involves moving a current player out first. According to reports from the Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Rossoneri are working on a deal to sell Pervis Estupinan to Aston Villa, with the proceeds going toward a bid for Mazraoui.
Estupinan, the Ecuadorian fullback, isn’t in Milan’s plans. He’s expected to leave this summer. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is pushing for the reunion — he coached Estupinan at Villarreal. Milan is asking for around €20 million, but Villa is hoping to negotiate that number down. Both sides are reportedly optimistic about reaching an agreement.
Mazraoui’s value to United
Mazraoui just finished a strong World Cup run with Morocco, helping them reach the quarterfinals. He played in all six games, mostly at left-back, and even filled in at center-back against France. That kind of versatility is a big reason United is reluctant to let him go.
Last season under then-manager Ruben Amorim — now at Milan — Mazraoui made 20 appearances across all competitions. He played wing-back and center-back in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. The two know each other well, with 49 of Mazraoui’s 77 United appearances coming under the Portuguese coach before he was fired in January 2026.
But United isn’t actively shopping him. The club sees him as a valuable depth piece, especially with Diogo Dalot as the only natural right-back on the roster. Selling Mazraoui without bringing in a replacement first would be a risky move for INEOS.
What the player wants
According to the same report, a lot hinges on Mazraoui’s personal preference. If he’s open to a move back to Serie A, where he played for Bayern Munich before joining United, he could push for the transfer himself. Milan is hoping to make that conversation happen once Estupinan’s sale is finalized.
Mazraoui turns 29 later this year. He’s not a guaranteed starter under United’s current setup, but he’s a reliable option across the back line. The question is whether he’s willing to stay as a rotational piece or chase more regular minutes under a coach who already trusts him.
The next few weeks should provide clarity. Estupinan’s departure from Milan looks close, and United’s stance on Mazraoui will be tested soon after.
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