As the summer transfer window heats up, AC Milan finds itself in the thick of negotiations, strategically targeting young, promising talent to bolster its squad. The club`s recent moves highlight a blend of pragmatic pivoting and steadfast pursuit, as they inch closer to securing a right-back and continue a firm standoff for a midfielder.
The Athekame Approach: A Swift Pivot for the Right Flank
AC Milan has accelerated its efforts to reinforce the right-back position, recently tabling an initial offer of approximately 7 million euros for Zachary Athekame. The Swiss-Nigerian defender, currently with Young Boys, has also garnered interest from fellow Serie A clubs Udinese and Bologna. However, Milan appears to hold a significant advantage, having already secured the player`s personal agreement.
The confidence within the Rossoneri camp regarding a swift conclusion to this deal is palpable. Sources indicate that Young Boys` asking price is only marginally higher than Milan`s initial bid, suggesting a minimal gap in valuation. Furthermore, the excellent working relationship between Milan`s sporting director, Igli Tare, and Young Boys is expected to facilitate a positive outcome.
This pursuit of Athekame comes after Milan encountered significant hurdles in their bid for Guela Doué from Strasbourg. The French club`s valuation of Doué, reportedly around 23 million euros, proved prohibitive for Milan, prompting a strategic pivot. The shift towards Athekame, a 2004-born prospect, signals Milan`s intent to invest in younger, less established players who can grow within the club without immediate, overwhelming pressure.
Athekame`s resume, though brief, is notable: 30 appearances in his sole top-flight Swiss season, with 18 as a starter, and 8 Champions League appearances. His strengths are touted as pace, intelligent interceptions, and clean tackling. Interestingly, he initially played as a pure winger before transitioning to a defensive role. The prevailing question for any young talent stepping onto the grand stage of Serie A and the demanding San Siro is often: “Is he ready?” Milan, however, seems convinced by Athekame`s aggressive on-field personality and unwavering fearlessness, perhaps believing these attributes are the ultimate passport to success.
The Jashari Juggle: A Midfielder`s Resolve Against Club Resistance
While the Athekame deal progresses, another intriguing saga unfolds involving Swiss midfielder Ardon Jashari. Milan`s pursuit of Jashari from Club Brugge has seen them place a substantial offer on the table: 33.5 million euros, complemented by 4.5 million in performance-related bonuses, two of which are considered easily achievable. Despite this significant outlay, Club Brugge has maintained a resolute stance, resisting Milan`s advances.
The situation is complicated by Jashari`s unequivocal desire to don the Rossoneri jersey. His will to move to Milan is so strong that he reportedly intends to reiterate his wishes to the club`s hierarchy in an upcoming meeting. The midfielder`s leverage stems from a promise made months ago: he was assured a transfer if a club of his preference submitted an offer exceeding 30 million euros. Milan`s bid of 33.5 million euros squarely meets, and indeed surpasses, this threshold, placing the onus firmly on Brugge to honor their word. The Belgian club`s decision to include Jashari in their Champions League preliminary squad, despite him not having played any official minutes, further underscores their reluctance to part ways, even as the player pushes for his dream move. A handshake deal, it seems, can sometimes feel more like a wrestling match in the cutthroat world of football transfers.
AC Milan`s current transfer strategy is a testament to their calculated ambition. They are not chasing every big name, but rather identifying key profiles, pursuing them with conviction, and adapting swiftly when the economics don`t align. Whether it`s the near-certainty of Athekame or the ongoing tug-of-war for Jashari, these maneuvers paint a clear picture of a club meticulously building for the future, one strategic move at a time. The coming days will reveal if their persistent efforts bear the desired fruit, adding crucial pieces to their competitive puzzle.
