MilanVibes: Milan initiate talks over Atalanta wing-back – why he is seen as a fit

AC Milan have begun initial discussions over a potential move for Atalanta defender Nicola Zalewski, a report claims.

According to MilanVibes, Milan’s transfer window is starting to heat up again. Zachary Athekame’s imminent loan move to Lyon seems to have opened up the possibility of a new wing-back arriving to replace him.

One of the names being explored in recent hours by Milan management is Zalewski, currently at Atalanta. Milan are not the only team interested and they have already initiated initial contact with the player’s entourage, with Atalanta considering him a player who can be sacrificed.

The Pole’s characteristics do not mesh with Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3, but they perfectly meet the needs of Ruben Amorim’s style. He is right-footed but prefers to play on the left, where he can demonstrate his dribbling and crossing by cutting infield. Not only that, but he can play on the right too.

Moving away from the on-field dynamics, Zalewski would also be a useful addition to the squad. Born in 2002 – despite being Polish – he came through an academy in Italy having been at Roma from 2011 onwards.

According to UEFA rules, of the 25 players included on the squad, eight must have come from an Italian youth academy (in the case of Serie A clubs) and Zalewski ticks the box.