GdS: Recall, Read or a return – Milan evaluating solutions for right-back role

By: Oliver Fisher

AC Milan are looking for a new right-sided defender and some solutions have reportedly emerged in view of January.

A report from La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) this morning sheds some light on Milan’s transfer strategy ahead of the winter. The priorities are a new central defender and a new striker, with Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP and Nicolo Tresoldi of Club Brugge the dreams for the respective roles.

However, a third signing could arrive too. The serious injuries to Samuel Chukwueze and Alexis Saelemaekers (who will not return until well into February), combined with the shift to a four-man defensive line have forced a change in plans.

The aforementioned events have convinced the Rossoneri’s transfer team of the need for a reinforcement on the right flank. More specifically, they want a player capable of operating both as a full-back and as a wing-back.

The idea of ​​bringing Zachary Athekame back to Milanello is very much on the table. However, the plan requires the green light from Lyon, the club where the Swiss player has made an excellent start to the season on loan.

It is believed that if Milan push hard, an agreement for Athekame’s immediate return could potentially be reached, though matters of protocol and existing club relations must also be considered. Paulo Fonseca’s departure to Sporting CP is a factor at play, too.

Other options under consideration include Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot, who spent the 2020-21 season at Milan and knows Amorim.

Finally, there is the 20-year-old Givairo Read of Feyenoord, who caught the eye at San Siro two years ago while facing Rafael Leão during a Champions League play-off.