Zachary Athekame Set to Ask for AC Milan Move After Young Boys Start

Zachary Athekame will reportedly ask for a move to AC Milan after playing for Young Boys tonight, with the club already having reached the final stages of negotiations. Athekame is eager to join AC Milan, underscoring the interest from the Rossoneri.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Athekame, who has already agreed to personal terms with AC Milan, is reportedly completely set on a move away from Young Boys and will approach club president Thomas Grimm and sporting director Andres Gerber after Tuesday’s game. The 19-year-old is reportedly eager for the transfer to go through regardless of disciplinary procedures or confronting the refusal of his request, with the Rossoneri willing to pay almost €8 million (£7m/$8m) with various add-ons, which could make it €10 million (£9m/$11m) eventually for the full-back, as AC Milan has submitted a €7 million bid to Young Boys to sign Athekame.

As both the club and the player reach a tipping point, the Serie A club remains optimistic that a positive conclusion can be reached in their long chase of the Swiss right-back. Reports indicate that AC Milan have already reached a contractual agreement with Athekame until 2029, with an option for an extra year.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Beating the Gunners to the signing of Athekame could bolster Allegri’s team even further, with Koni de Winter having been linked with a potential exit this month. The arrival of a big signing like Athekame may well be an indication of the upcoming exit of de Winter. However, as things stand, The Echo maintains that Mikel Arteta remains confident in his options at the Emirates.

WHAT NEXT?

AC Milan will start their Serie A campaign later this month against newly promoted Cremonese, as they aim to improve on last season’s 8th place finish, and get back into European football as soon as possible.