Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim Serie A Champions AC Milan are set to turn their attention to Arsenal defender William Saliba this summer – after missing out on Sven Botman, who is set to join Newcastle United.
Botman, 22, was the centre of a tug of war between Milan and Newcastle. But after a breakthrough in talks, Botman is set to complete a £31million move to Tyneside – the player starting his medical on Monday.
The Dutch defender’s move to Newcastle will now force Milan to look elsewhere, and reports claim Milan could turn to Arsenal. Saliba, 21, returns to Arsenal after a brilliant loan with Marseille – helping them finish second behind PSG.
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He clocked up 52 appearances for Marseille during 21-22 – keeping 20 clean sheets. Reports claim that Arsenal will only accept a ‘crazy’ offer for the defender. Milan may now look to test that resolve.
CM say that Milan will now turn their attention to Saliba – but as previous reports claim, Arsenal will only accept an offer for the five-time France international if ‘unavoidable’. He has a contract at Arsenal until June 2024.
Milan to turn to Arsenal defender Saliba after missing out on Botman
Saliba is on a similar playing field to Botman. The latter is one of Europe’s best defenders under the age of 23 after helping Lille win Ligue 1 in 2020-21. Saliba has shown at Marseille that he is just as good.
Arsenal would be foolish to cash in on Saliba – a player they spent £27million (Mail) to sign. What kind of price should Arsenal entertain? Realistically, only a fee north of £40million should get any attention.
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