AC Milan Closing In on Zachary Athekame Transfer Agreement

AC Milan is close to signing Zachary Athekame from Young Boys. The clubs are near agreeing on a deal worth about €8 million, plus extra fees. The final talks should finish soon after Young Boys play Basel.

WHAT HAPPENED?

AC Milan first offered €7 million for Zachary Athekame, as confirmed by a previous report, but Young Boys said no. Milan quickly made a second offer of €8 million plus extra fees, closer to Young Boys’ asking price of about €10 million.

The 20-year-old Swiss right-back has already agreed to join Milan, as reported. He even asked for a transfer to help make the deal happen. Both teams are likely to finish the deal after Young Boys’ next game against Basel. Athekame’s wish to join Milan is helping the talks. Milan is sure the deal will be done soon.

ATHEKAME’S RISE AND MILAN’S NEEDS

Athekame has been a top player for Young Boys, having played an important role last season by making 31 Super League appearances, recording one goal and four assists. He is one of Switzerland’s best young defenders and plays for the Swiss Under-21 team regularly.

Milan needs to make its defense stronger before the new Serie A season under coach Max Allegri. After finishing eighth last season, Milan aims to build a team that can win the title again and qualify for European football as soon as possible.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MILAN AND YOUNG BOYS?

After the game against Basel, Young Boys may quickly finalize Athekame’s sale to Milan. Other clubs from France and England are also interested. Milan’s next game is the Serie A opener against Como, a newly promoted team.

Young Boys will keep playing in the Swiss Super League and need to find a new right-back quickly. Milan wants to catch up with the top teams in Serie A. Young Boys are in third place, just two points behind the leaders, FC Zurich. This makes finding a fast replacement for Athekame important to stay in the competition.