Crystal Palace have reportedly become the first club to make concrete moves for Strahinja Pavlović as uncertainty grows around the defender’s future at AC Milan.
The Serbian centre-back has emerged as one of Milan’s standout performers during a turbulent campaign and is now attracting serious attention from the Premier League ahead of the summer transfer window.
While Manchester United and Chelsea have also monitored the situation, Crystal Palace are understood to have taken the earliest steps towards a possible deal.
Palace make initial approach
Reports in Italy claim Palace have already made preliminary enquiries over Pavlovic’s availability.
The defender’s development this season has significantly raised his profile after a more difficult adaptation period during the 2024/25 campaign.
Having followed Milan’s inconsistent season closely, Pavlovic has often been one of the few reliable performers in an otherwise unstable side.
His aggressive defending, ball-carrying ability and physical profile have all attracted growing admiration from English clubs.
Milan signed the Serbia international for around €18.5 million in 2024, but his valuation has now reportedly risen to approximately €40 million.
That figure could become increasingly important for Milan.
Milan facing difficult financial reality
Although Milan would prefer to keep Pavlovic, their financial position could force difficult decisions if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
The Rossoneri have slipped into a fierce battle for European qualification following a disappointing run of results in Serie A.
Should Champions League football be missed, significant player sales may become necessary.
Pavlovic’s rising value would represent a substantial capital gain for Milan, making him one of the club’s most marketable assets.
€40 million may become difficult for Milan to refuse if major offers arrive this summer.
Why Crystal Palace are interested
Crystal Palace’s interest appears logical given the profile of defender they have increasingly targeted in recent windows.
At 24, Pavlovic still has room for development while already possessing experience at international and European level.
His athleticism and ability to defend aggressively in space are qualities highly valued in the Premier League.
There are still areas requiring refinement — particularly concentration under sustained defensive pressure — but Palace may view those weaknesses as coachable.
The club’s previous discussions with Milan over Jean-Philippe Mateta could also help facilitate communication between the two sides.
That existing relationship may become useful if negotiations accelerate later in the summer.
What’s next?
Much will depend on Milan’s final league position and whether Champions League qualification can still be secured.
If not, interest in Pavlovic is likely to intensify quickly across England.
For Crystal Palace, the coming weeks could determine whether early groundwork gives them a genuine advantage in one of the Premier League’s emerging defensive transfer races.
Would Strahinja Pavlovic be the right signing for Crystal Palace this summer?
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