Milan target Sven Botman’s transfer saga has taken a twist with the emergence of a new suitor from England for the signature of the highly-rated center-back. The Lille defender has long been on the sights of the Milan management due to his profile being a perfect fit for the club’s needs – Simon Kjaer has been ruled out with a long-term injury and Alessio Romagnoli is set to leave San Siro, potentially to Lazio as a free agent.
According to latest reports from England news outlet The Evening Standard (via MilanLive), West Ham United have entered the race for Botman in the summer. Veteran manager David Moyes is reportedly searching for a left-footed center-back to bolster his defensive ranks and sees Botman as the ideal defender to reinforce the English club’s aim to stay in Europe.
Th 22-year-old Dutchman has been tracked by Rossoneri executives Ricky Massara and Paolo Maldini for almost a year now, The club’s offer was outrightly rejected by Lille in the January winter transfer window, but Milan see still him as a priority transfer in the summer. A loan deal is also an option for interested teams, with either the option or obligation to buy.
He is valued around the €30m mark, according to transfermarkt. West Ham are said to be willing to part ways with upwards of €35m for Botman, but Milan have already held advanced negotiations with both the French champions and the player’s entourage.
Moreover, there is the presence of another Premier League outfit – Newcastle United – in the race for the Ajax youth product.
He has 75 caps for the northerners since joining from Dutch club SC Heerenveen in 2020/21 – his French league title winning debut season in France.