Romano: AC Milan agree defender signing
AC Milan have agreed a deal to bring back Matteo Gabbia but he will not be the only defender to join the Rossoneri in January.
As already reported by acmilaninfo.com on a number of occasions, AC Milan will be active on the January transfer window and their priority will be the defence. Initially, the Rossoneri were also considering the signing of a new centre forward but things seem to have changed with Luka Jovic’s revival. The Serbian has scored 3 goals and provided one assist in recent games.
AC Milan are going through an unprecedented period of injuries with all of their centre backs out on different periods. Thiaw, Kalulu and Pellegrino are set to return in 2024 while the extent of Fikayo Tomori’s injury is not yet clear. Simon Kjaer is the only centre back available that’s why Matteo Gabbia will return to AC Milan.
Fabrizio Romano reports that AC Milan have agreed to cut short Gabbia’s loan to Villarreal and the Italian defender will return in Italy in January. Matteo Gabbia joined Villarreal on loan with obligation to buy this summer if certain conditions were met but the Rossoneri are no longer interested in that deal.
It has been a difficult season for the Spanish club but Gabbia has made 13 appearances across all competitions, 11 of which from the first minute. Gabbia is already familiar with the AC Milan environment as he has been part of the club for five seasons and has 51 first team appearances with AC Milan.
However, Matteo Gabbia will not be the only centre back to join Milan. The management is in search of another defender, very likely a loan deal. Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet is rumored to be the most feasible option while Thilo Kehrer and Nordi Mukiele have also been linked with a move to AC Milan. Meanwhile, Bournemouth have rejected Milan’s regarding a January transfer for Lloyd Kelly.
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