AC Milan have little time available to solve the centre back problem with Maldini forced to choose between two options.
In the next few hours, AC Milan will close the purchase Marko Lazetic. The 18-year-old centre forward of Red Star Belgrade will replace Pietro Pellegri in the Rossoneri squad and serve as the third striker in Stefano Pioli’s team until the end of the season.
The other issue the AC Milan management must solve before the end of the January transfer window is the signing of a new centre back. The arrival of Sven Botman is impossible during this window with Lille adamant to keep their star for six more months.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United defender Eric Bailly remains the most likely name to join AC Milan. The 27-year-old is currently playing in Africa’s Cup of Nations representing the Ivory Coast. The centre back has already said yes to AC Milan but the Rossoneri still don’t have an agreement with United regarding the purchase option.
If AC Milan fail to reach an agreement with Manchester they will opt for a young player just like they did with Lazetic. Bologna centre back Arthur Theate is on AC Milan’s radar. The 21-year-old that has recently become part of the Belgium national team after an impressive first season in Serie A.
With just one week remaining until the end of the mercato there’s isn’t much time on Maldini and Massara’s disposal. The good news is that Fikayo Tomori’s recovery is preceding very well and the English star may be available for upcoming derby against Inter.
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