Marco Giampaolo speaks on the great potential of Theo Hernandez

AC Milan manager Marco Giampaolo has spoken about the qualities of new signing Theo Hernandez and believes the Frenchman can become one of the best in the left-back role. The 21-year-old became the club’s first signing of this summer’s transfer window and he is expected to compete with Ricardo Rodriguez and Diego Laxalt for the left-back position.

Speaking to reporters, Giampaolo said that the Rossoneri pursued Hernandez after making a thorough research and he is looking forward to working with the former Real Madrid man, he told: "Theo is a footballer for whom the club has done important research, with great qualities and potential. He is young. He is 21 years old, they also called me to grow young people with quality. I'm curious to understand what player he is, he brings with him an ambition to become among the best in that role. It is closer to Laxalt, different than Rodriguez. It is also there that we must see how to do."

Milan are currently struggling to break-even with the finances but they have been afforded a 24-month deadline by the CAS after agreeing to oust themselves from next season’s Europa League campaign. Still, they can’t afford to make big-name signing this summer and most purchases may depend on whether they can offload some of the unwanted players.

The Rossoneri have already permitted the sales of Manuel Locatelli and Gustavo Gomez this summer but there are expecting further departures. Diego Laxalt has been linked with multiple Serie A teams amid the competition brought about from Hernandez and Rodriguez at left-back and he could soon make way from the San Siro outfit.

Milan start their pre-season with an International Champions Cup game against Bayern Munich and the game will provide Giampaolo with the opportunity to test out some of the players with his formation.