San Siro's New Target Is Clear: According to Sky Sports, Milan Have Knocked on the Door of Andoni Iraola, Who Carried Bournemouth to Europe

Italy's long-established club Milan have turned their eyes to one of the Premier League's most talked-about coaches following the major overhaul they entered at the end of the season. According to Sky Sports, Milan have made contact with the representatives of Spanish coach Andoni Iraola, who has left Bournemouth, for their vacant head-coach seat. Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio also reported that initial contact has been made and that how the process will progress is awaited.

According to Sky Sports, Milan have made an official approach to the player's representatives about making Iraola head coach next season. Di Marzio, meanwhile, stated that Milan are waiting after this initial contact, assessing whether the talks will progress and whether there are other names on the list. This contact is interpreted as an important part of the club's planning for the new era.

Behind this move lies the shocking end of season Milan experienced. The Rossoneri, who started the season well and at one point competed for the Serie A title, declined in the second half of the season. Losing 2-1 at home to Cagliari on the final day, Milan dropped from third to fifth place and, missing out on Champions League qualification for the second straight time, had to settle for the Europa League.

This disappointment triggered a radical change at the club. Milan parted ways not only with head coach Massimiliano Allegri but also with sporting director Igli Tare, CEO Giorgio Furlani, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada. Led by club owner Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimović, the aim is to rebuild the team both sportingly and culturally. The interest in Iraola is also at the center of this "reset" plan.

Andoni Iraola, meanwhile, stands out as one of the most admired coaches of recent years. The Spanish coach, whose contract with Bournemouth expired and who has left the club, carried the team to sixth place in the Premier League and sent them to European competition for the first time in the club's history. Standing out not only for the results he achieved but also for his attacking football and proactive playing approach, Iraola is one of the most sought-after names on the transfer market this summer.

But Milan are not the only suitor in this race. According to reports, Crystal Palace from the Premier League have also long been in the mix for Iraola. In addition, it is stated that Barcelona legend Xavi is also on the list Milan have prepared for the head-coach job. This situation shows that the Rossoneri have more than one option in front of them and that the process is not yet clear.

On Iraola's side, there is no rush. It is stated that the Basque coach has postponed the decision about his future until July and will rest for a while to assess his options. Iraola, who ended his successful spell at Bournemouth with an emotional farewell, wants to carefully choose the next step of his career. This also means that Milan may have to wait a while longer.

In conclusion, according to reports by Sky Sports and Di Marzio, Milan have made a concrete step toward Iraola for the head-coach job; but the process is still in its initial stage. Whether the Rossoneri, in the midst of a deep restructuring, will reach an agreement with the Spanish coach will be one of the most closely followed topics of Italian football throughout the summer.

Source: Based on reports by Sky Sports News and Gianluca Di Marzio. The process is in the nature of claims; no official agreement has been announced.