What Theo Hernandez has said about his AC Milan future amid Chelsea summer transfer links

Chelsea could be in the market for a left-back this summer as Enzo Maresca looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella shared the role last season although the England international missed large chunks of the campaign through injury. Cucurella, meanwhile, performed well when Mauricio Pochettino asked the Spaniard to invert and play in central areas when the Blues had the ball.

Neither player set the world alight, however, and this has led to links to Theo Hernandez. The AC Milan star has flourished in Italy since leaving Real Madrid to join the Serie A giants in 2019. Known for his speed, dribbling qualities and eye for a goal, the French international made 46 appearances for Milan during the 2023/24 season, scoring five goals and assisting 11 more.

Interestingly, as per Sky Sports, the 26-year-old's contract expires in 2026 and negotiations over a renewal have not yet taken place. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring the situation and could make a move for the player, who is currently part of France's Euro 2024 squad.

According to HITC, Chelsea are willing to let one of Chilwell or Cucurella go if Hernandez is brought in this summer. Blues chiefs believe the AC Milan star would be suited to playing Maresca's system as he has often played as an inverted full-back for Milan and his national team.

So, what has Hernandez said about his future? The defender was asked about his plans earlier this week and he remained tight-lipped.

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"Whether I will stay at Milan or leave, we will see later," Hernandez said. "We'll see later whether I stay or not. At the moment I'm only focused on the European Championship."

Hernandez played the full 90 minutes of France's opening Euro 2024 group stage clash against Austria, with Didier Deschamps' side winning 1-0. Hernandez is in line to start once again when France play Netherlands on Friday evening and it could be the perfect opportunity for Chelsea to keep a close eye on the defender as transfer speculation rumbles on.