Pellegatti: Milan identify Toulouse defender as possible Estupinan replacement

AC Milan are scouring the market for options to reinforce the flanks, and a new name has emerged from Ligue 1.

Milan want to give Ruben Amorim a strong and competitive squad, ready to compete on multiple fronts. After filling the centre-back and striker spots with Mario Gila and Goncalo Ramos, the next mission is an attacking midfielder and a wing-back.

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Regarding the latter, Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui is the name that has been linked most. He can play on both flanks and is one of the few players who hit really good form under Amorim at Old Trafford.

A new name from France

However, according to Carlo Pellegatti (via MilanVibes), Milan are also evaluating Dayann Methalie. The 20-year-old left-back is currently playing for Toulouse. Foreign clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen and Sunderland are also interested in him, with the English club keeping a close eye in particular.

Standing 1.88m tall, Methalie developed in the Toulouse youth system, spending 10 years there. He rose through the ranks and made his debut in the club’s reserve team, where he made 13 appearances and scored one goal.

Last season, he was a permanent member of the first team, playing in Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France. He made 30 appearances, scoring two goals and assisting two times. He has mostly been a left-sided full-back, but has also played wing-back and a bit at centre-back.

Looking at the current squad, Milan have Davide Bartesaghi on the left, but Pervis Estupinan is in talks over a move for Aston Villa. Naturally, the thought process is that Methalie could replace the hero of the last derby.

Currently, the Frenchman’s value is estimated at around €18-20m. Toulouse could let him go for €25m, but a bidding war could be invited if teams from the Premier League and Bundesliga get involved.