AC Milan identify Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari as possible Luka Modric successor

AC Milan have begun planning for life after Luka Modric, with Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari emerging as their preferred target to replace the Croatia international.

Modric is approaching his 42nd birthday and there is uncertainty over whether he will remain at the club beyond this season. The midfielder has continued to perform at a high level since joining the Rossoneri, but AC Milan are preparing for the possibility that he could retire at the end of the campaign or leave the club.

The Croatia international has generally renewed his contract on a year-by-year basis. Although he has started four matches this season, the club’s management has already turned its attention to finding a potential successor.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, citing Italian publication Tuttosport, Ayari is currently the leading option under consideration at AC Milan.

Ayari, 22, was born in Sweden to a Tunisian father and a Moroccan mother. The midfielder has established himself as a regular starter for Brighton, while several clubs are reportedly interested in signing him.

That competition could make it difficult for AC Milan to complete a deal for the Sweden international, particularly with interest in Ayari continuing to grow.