AC Milan and Chelsea have long been entwined through various market dealings, yet their connection extends beyond mere transactions. Following the recent negotiations involving Tomori, Bakayoko, and Giroud, the Milan - Chelsea axis has once again ignited. In an exclusive inquiry, Milan Reports turned to Nizaar Kinsella, esteemed journalist for Standard Sport and trusted London correspondent for all things Chelsea, to shed light on the unfolding dynamics between these footballing powerhouses.
Some players from Chelsea are linked with AC Milan. To reinforce the midfield, one of the Cobham graduates, the 27-year-old Englishman, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, is rumoured to be a candidate in Paolo Maldini's wishlist. The possibility of seeing the midfielder donning the colours of AC Milan next season is gaining traction. Here's what our guest had to say about the right-footed talent who has made 33 appearances across all competitions for the Blues this season:
Chelsea are open to let Loftus-Cheek leave...
"Chelsea are open to selling Ruben Loftus-Cheek. He was put on the market late in January but he didn’t want to move then. At Stamford Bridge on Sunday for the final match at home to Newcastle, it felt like he was saying goodbye to the supporters. There has been contact with Milan, I’m not sure on the valuation but I don’t think it is high. The main problem are his wages. He is on a big salary in west London, earning £150,000-a-week. Also, England is no longer in the EU so he is a non-EU player"
American winger Christian Pulisic, is also reportedly on the move and has been linked to AC Milan. The 24-year-old has a contract running until June 2024 and only contributed with one goal to the club's season...
"Chelsea are ready to sell Pulisic as well. It is unclear which clubs want him this summer but Serie A has always been touted as a possibility. The US international also seems desperate to leave".
Hakim Ziyech, the Morocco international, was mentioned as a target for AC Milan many times in the past. Here's what we need to know, as told by our guest Nizaar Kinsella:
"Hakim Ziyech is also expected to be sold or could go on loan. He has two years left on his deal so both possibilities are open. There seems like no chance he will stay. He is very unhappy at Chelsea and was disappointed Milan didn’t make a proper move to sign him in the past. I feel like both Roma and Milan would be of interest to him, especially if he can play in the Champions League. The collapsed move to PSG was a big disappointment for him, too".
Then, there is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has a past at AC Milan...
"Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be available on a free transfer this summer, or for a very low fee. Milan have been tracking him and he played well against them in the Champions League. It might not happen though, the player likes the idea of returning to Barcelona if possible".
28-year-old French defensive midfielder, Tiémoué Bakayoko, had an unsuccesful loan spell with AC Milan which expires at the end of the current season. His future is yet to be written.
"Tiemoue Bakayoko has been a disastrous signing for Chelsea but he is also unlucky. He was signed for Antonio Conte, who may have found a use for him but then Maurizio Sarri arrived and he no longer suited the team. A series of bad loans have been a disaster for him, including the AC Milan one. Chelsea consider him an example of a new strategy where they don’t want to carry players like him on loan for many year, damaging their careers. They will likely let him leave as a free agent in the summer. Paying him a lot of money in compensation to end his contract".
Fikayo Tomori moved to AC Milan a few seasons ago and made a name for himself in Serie A. The English defender, is a product of Chelsea's Youth Academy. Here's what Kinsella had to say about him:
"Chelsea are quite proud of Fikayo Tomori. They know some players have to leave and it shouldn’t be deemed a shame that he does well in Milan. It was probably the best for all parties to sell him and let him take the next step".
