Milan Pessimistic on Signing Top Target Botman in January

Milan have Sven Botman atop their shortlist of defensive options, but he might not move in January. Director Frederic Massara talked about him Sunday: “He is an excellent player, but I do not think Lille want to sell him right now. A center-back might be our priority now given Simon Kjaer’s injury.”

“Considering the type of moment and the COVID-19-related absences, we are ready to pounce on any opportunity to strengthen the roster at sustainable conditions. We have a few options on the table. We will evaluate them with coach Stefano Pioli.”

Milan are tracking PSG’s Abdou Diallo, Fenerbahce’s Attila Szalai, Zurich’s Becir Omeragic, and Malmo’s Ahel Ahmedhodzic on top of Botman. On the other hand, Matteo Gabbia and Pierre Kalulu have held their own in the past two matches. They filled in as Fikayo Tomori and Alessio Romagnoli, who reportedly contracted Coronavirus.

The director stated that they would not be adding a striker in January: “We have to monitor such role for the future. We will not sign a new forward in the short term. We have Pietro Pellegri, who is a youngster on which we count a lot. Unfortunately, injuries have slowed him down.” 

Milan held some talks for Nantes’ Randal Kolo Muani for the position. However, he has accepted a lucrative five-year contract from Eintracht Frankfurt. He will join them on a Bosman transfer, Tuttomercatoweb reports. Massara also confirmed to Sky that Andrea Conti would move to Sampdoria. The Blucerchiati pipped Empoli at the post for the out-of-favor fullback.