An update on the ongoing efforts of Italian giants AC Milan to reinforce the heart of the club’s defence ahead of next season has been provided on Friday.
The first-choice target of those in a position of power at the San Siro, of course, has long been known, in the form of LOSC Lille standout Sven Botman.
In fact, at one point earlier in the summer, it was widely reported that the Rossoneri were on the verge of closing a deal for the Dutch international.
If the latest word stemming from the media this evening is anything to go by, though, then, in fact, Milan look set to miss out on Botman altogether.
Instead, as per reports stemming from France and Italy alike, the highly-regarded stopper is primed to put pen to paper on the terms of a contract with Newcastle United over the coming days.
This comes with the newly-minted Magpies having flexed their financial muscle, in blowing the proposal of one of European football’s most prestigious clubs out of the water.
Newcastle are now closing on Sven Botman deal. Final proposal worth €40m with add-ons to be accepted by Lille, while contracts are being prepared. ?⚪️⚫️ #NUFC
Deal at final stages – NUFC always been in the race to sign Sven Botman since January despite denials, it’s now close. pic.twitter.com/K2LLWXQGpr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2022
So, where does this leave Milan when it comes to the club’s search for defensive reinforcements?
Well, Paolo Maldini and co. are understood to have quickly turned their attentions towards alternative targets, with the identity of one such option having been revealed late on Friday night.
As per a report from Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, the Rossoneri are expressing a keen interest in the signature of Arsenal starlet William Saliba.
French international Saliba is of course widely expected to stay put and fight for his place in north London ahead of next season, fresh off a stellar stint in his home country with Olympique Marseille.
Amid Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez, though, Milan are evidently of the opinion that the Gunners could be persuaded into a sale.
#ACMilan are interested in #Arsenal’s centre-back William #Saliba (born in 2001). #transfers #AFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) June 24, 2022
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