AC Milan are hoping to accelerate the deal for Sven Botman when their takeover situation is resolved, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Sky journalist published an update on William Hill (via PianetaMilan) and spoke about some of Milan’s incoming and outgoing operations starting with Botman, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Rossoneri for months now.
He reports that Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara have ‘long identified him as the perfect defender for the defence of the future’ and the Dutch centre-back has already given preference to the Rossoneri over Newcastle.
Botman – who has 3 goals and an assist this season – is the one that Milan have chosen to partner Fikayo Tomori long term and ‘work is now underway to find an economic agreement’ with Lille.
The probable change of ownership from Elliott Management to Investcorp ‘could speed up the operation’ as the Bahrain fund could make a statement signing to begin their new era.
This is good news. I very much trust Maldini in general; but ESPECIALLY when it comes to scouting the qualities of a centerback (given who Maldini is and his position as a player of course!).
People who say we don’t need Botman and should spend money on just RW, CAM and forwards don’t understand our back 4 and how important it is and what potential there is by getting Botman. I’m not saying that RW and CAM and forward are not needs that we have to address — of course we do. Diaz, Messias and Saele are terrible.
But you must realize that Kalulu, while a fantastic surprise, is still best at right back. And Tomori is much better and more comfortable as the right centerback; so when Botman arrives as the left centerback (like where Kjaer and Romagnoli played), then Tomori will go back to where he’s best. I love Calabria and he does defend well; but there is NO DOUBT that Kalulu is MUCH better going forward w/ the ball and much better delivering good crosses into the box (remember just recently his great assist when he played RB to Leao). And Kalulu has proven that he can defend. So Calabria must become a bench player/backup to optimize our best possible back 4.
Theo, Botman, Tomori, Kalulu — next year, with Maignan behind him, we will have MANY clean sheets and have defenders who can all get forward and help the offense get goals as well.
Spot on. Kalulu’s best performances have come at RB and he is a beast. Hope Calabria can find peace with the fact that he needs to elevate his attacking game or lose the spot to Kalulu.
Kalulu has made a few mistakes as RB, I think he might be more comfortable at RCB.
Saying all that, yes having Kalulu + Calabria as our RB options is v good and as this season has shown, you need squad depth. For whatever reason we have had many niggling muscle fatigue injuries preventing us from constantly fielding the same starting XI.
As for the criticism regarding our pursuit of a CB I think that stems from the fact many fans felt that would blow our budget on a position of relative strength. However after the takeover, if reports are to be believed we will be able to spend money on CB without compromising the search for CM, AMC and RW.
Forza Milan
Ok..agree……FORZA MILAN👍👍👍👍👍
Which performance was that? You are making stuff up, data is public. He played only when Calabria was injured, and for a reason. At CB he was excellent, at RB average.
Well said. Totally agree
Totally agree w @DB I meant ….
We must release Romagnoli first , his salary are equal with Tomori and botman ( if Romagnoli pen new contract with reduce salary) and Romagnoli have double salary compare to kalulu & Kjaer. I hope AC Milan release Romagnoli and find young gem CB that Will be become fifth choice next season