AC Milan have entered the final week of the summer market with a clear target: Liverpool forward Harvey Elliott. The 23‑year‑old Englishman, who struggled to find minutes under new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, is being priced by the Reds at €30‑35m. Milan, meanwhile, hope to negotiate a deal closer to €20‑25m, according to CaughtOffside.
Why Milan are looking at Elliott
Ruben Amorim arrived at the San Siro after the 2025‑26 season, replacing Massimiliano Allegri and reshaping the club’s hierarchy. The Portuguese coach has already broken the club’s transfer record by signing Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint‑Germain and added Mario Gila and Diego Moreira to the squad. Yet Amorim’s preferred 3‑4‑2‑1 still lacks a creative link between the midfield and the lone striker, a role that could suit Elliott’s ability to drift wide and cut inside.
Elliott’s situation at Liverpool
After an underwhelming loan spell at Aston Villa in 2025‑26, Elliott returned to a Liverpool side that has already hinted he will not feature prominently. He missed the matchday squad for the season‑opening Premier League clash with Newcastle and has not been named in any recent line‑ups. Iraola’s plans appear to centre on other attacking options, leaving Elliott open to a move.
Potential impact on Milan’s squad
If the deal goes through, Elliott would join a Milan side that has yet to assign squad numbers to several players, including Fikayo Tomori, Youssouf Fofana, Warren Bondo and Santiago Gimenez. The Rossoneri are expected to off‑load at least one of those names, and Elliott could provide the depth needed on the right flank while also offering an alternative to the traditional No.9 role. His pace and willingness to press would fit Amorim’s high‑intensity system.
Financial considerations
The reported fee range reflects a discount to Liverpool’s valuation, suggesting Milan are leveraging their negotiating position as the window closes. An undisclosed fee in the €20‑25m band would still represent a significant outlay, but it follows the club’s recent willingness to spend aggressively to rebuild after a season of structural changes.
What remains uncertain
Key questions include whether Liverpool will accept a lower figure and how quickly Milan can finalize personal terms. Elliott’s contract length with Liverpool has not been disclosed, so the exact timeline for a move is unclear. Nonetheless, both clubs appear motivated to resolve the situation before the September 1 deadline.
Looking ahead
Should Elliott sign for Milan, he will likely be deployed as a wide forward in the 3‑4‑2‑1, offering Iraola’s former side a fresh attacking outlet and giving Amorim a player comfortable on both wings. The transfer would also signal Milan’s intent to blend youthful flair with the experience of recent signings, aiming for a strong start to the 2026‑27 Serie A campaign.
Milan need a player like Elliott to add unpredictability to Amorim's system, and the club should seize the chance to negotiate a deal below Liverpool's asking price.
Elliott would give Milan a versatile attacker capable of stretching defenses in a 3‑4‑2‑1, while Liverpool free up space for Iraola's preferred forwards. The fee range also reflects Milan's strategic spending ahead of a busy season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Milan are said to be aiming for a fee in the €20‑25m range, while Liverpool value the player at €30‑35m.
New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has not included Elliott in the matchday squad for the opening Premier League game and he was omitted from recent line‑ups, indicating he is not in the coach's plans.
He would most probably operate as a wide forward on the right, providing width and the ability to cut inside behind the central striker.