AC Milan keen to take advantage of Chelsea ‘mistake’ over defender

Reports claim AC Milan want to make Fikayo Tomori’s loan move from Chelsea a permanent one this summer after his impressive displays for the Italian giants.

The centre-back moved to the San Siro during the January transfer window. He had been frozen out by then Blues boss Frank Lampard and took the option of a stint overseas. And it has certainly paid off as the man with one England cap has flourished with the Rossoneri. The 23-year-old has made nine starts from 10 Serie A appearances while also featuring in four Europa League matches.

His adventure in Europe’s second-tier competition is now over after Milan were eliminated by Manchester United last month. But it seems as though his Milan story might be far from finished as they want him to stay.

Italian pundit Paolo Ziliani claimed in March Tomori has already eclipsed Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt as the best young Serie A defender. And he suggested that allowing him to leave for Milan could be a mistake Chelsea come to regret.

There was an option to buy in his loan contract which Il Diavolo are thought to be keen to trigger this summer. Football Insider are reporting that Milan have spoken to Chelsea about their wishes.

And it appears as though Tomori is keen to make his stay in Milan a permanent one.

It is not known if current Stamford Bridge chief Thomas Tuchel sees the Canadian-born stopper in his long-term plans. There are sure to be discussions when the campaign ends but a move to Italy seems on the cards.

He is currently embroiled in a race for the Scudetto, with fierce rivals Inter eight points clear at the summit. With only seven games remaining, it seems an uphill task but Tomori will benefit from being in the thick of battle.

Tomori making all the right moves

The defender made 15 Premier League starts in 2019-2020 for Chelsea and 22 appearances in all competitions. But Lampard did not seem impressed and he became a peripheral figure in west London.

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That has not been the case in Milan, with everyone impressed with the youngster. Honorary vice-president Franco Baresi revealed in late March that plans were afoot for a summer swoop.

“We’ll do everything to sign him on a permanent deal,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “Two months are remaining until the end of the season, and it’s not only up to Milan.

“Tomori is imposing himself with talent and determination. He has shown no fear to play in a new league. Potentially, he can become a great champion. I hope he lives up to expectations.”

It is thought that Milan would need to part with around £25 million to secure his signature.

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