Dias Untouchable as Milan Circle: City's Rebuild Has a Red Line
If AC Milan thought the chaos of a Manchester City rebuild might open a door for them, they had better think again. Ruben Dias is not going anywhere.
Sources have made it plain that the club have no intention of selling the Portuguese centre-back before the 1 September deadline. That stance has only hardened in recent days as Milan's interest became clear. The Italians fancy their chances; they are set to be disappointed.
“Enzo Maresca has already seen several experienced players depart from his squad so far this summer, and has already made it clear that Dias cannot head for the exit as well.”
Maresca has watched a significant chunk of his dressing room walk out the door this summer. Bernardo Silva and John Stones left upon the expiry of their contracts, and Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake have since been sold. James Trafford, Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri have all been moved on in recent weeks, while Savinho and Omar Marmoush are on the verge of joining Tottenham.
Amid all that upheaval, one thing is not up for discussion. Maresca has handed Dias the club captaincy for the 2026-27 campaign, and the 29-year-old responded by playing the full 90 minutes in Sunday's opening-day victory over Bournemouth. He is not a man being prepared for the exit.
City's position is simple. Dias is effectively untouchable. The only scenario in which he could be sold would be a truly irrefutable offer, and Milan do not have the financial muscle to produce one. Sources describe any potential deal as "complex," which is diplomatic code for "not happening."
The former Benfica man managed just 24 Premier League starts last term, a figure that might have encouraged Milan to test the waters. But Maresca is rebuilding around him, not without him.
The focus at the Etihad is instead on the other end of the pitch. With Rodri and Reijnders gone, City have drawn up a three-man midfield shortlist. Bouaddi, top of that list for much of the summer, is on the verge of completing his move. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Roma's Manu Kone are also targets, though whether they back up Bouaddi's arrival with a second addition remains to be seen.
The recent sales have freed up some spending power, even after the hefty Elliot Anderson deal earlier in the summer. But no amount of financial wriggle room will persuade City to part with their captain.
Milan can keep circling. The red line is drawn.