West Ham United have reportedly opened talks with Malick Thiaw’s camp and are planning a £17 million bid to bring AC Milan’s Serie A starlet to the Premier League in January.
And while the chances of Milan accepting may feel slim on paper – Malick Thiaw is one of the first names on Stefano Pioli’s Rossoneri team-sheet after all – the sale of Sandro Tonali to Newcastle over the summer should give West Ham United hope that there is a deal to be agreed.
Tonali was not just a highly-important cog in Pioli’s Milan machine, but a fans’ favourite too. Cut him and he bleeds red and clack, Tonali really was ‘one of their own’. And if Milan were ready to sell him for the right price, then it’s hard to imagine that there is not a sum which would twist their arm for Thiaw too, even if a rumoured 20 million euro offer feels a little on the low side.
West Ham eye AC Milan’s Malick Thaiw
According to Calciomercato, backing up previous claims from Sky Italia, there is interest from West Ham in the former Schalke youngster. David Moyes’ side have ‘made contact’ with Thiaw’s agents, and are willing to stump up £17 million in an attempt to bring the 6ft 4ins centre-half to the London Stadium in 2024.
One of Europe’s best young centre-backs, Thiaw has earned two caps for Germany and was part of the Milan team who reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last term, starring in the victory over Tottenham Hotspur on route to the last four.
January move on the cards
“(Thiaw) surprised me,” Germany team-mate Antonio Rudiger said after Thiaw made his international bow earlier this year. “He started on the right foot and showed great personality. He played a really really good game.”
At West Ham, the stylish, composed, right-footed Thiaw would provide further strength in depth for a side balancing domestic and European exploits.
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