AC Milan closing in on deal for Swiss full-back Athekame

AC Milan are edging closer towards signing Young Boys full-back Zachary Athekame (h/t L’Equipe).

After seeing a €7 million bid turned down by the Swiss club, Milan have now finalised a transfer fee worth around €10m, including performance-related bonuses.

Athekame is expected to have his medicals in the coming days. He will sign a four-year contract with Rossoneri until 2029 with an option for a further season.

The 20-year-old will link up with his Swiss compatriot Ardon Jashari, who recently moved to the San Siro from Club Brugge for €38m.

A right-back has been a priority for the Rossoneri in the summer transfer window following the departures of Alessandro Florenzi and Emerson Royal.

Milan were linked with Strasbourg’s Guela Doue this summer, but no concrete talks took place.

Athekame will be a valuable addition for the Italian giants, although he is very young and untested at the top level.

The Swiss prospect has a challenge ahead of him to adapt quickly to Serie A, but he has already showcased his quality in the Champions League last season.

Athekame featured in 43 games in all competitions, bagging a goal and three assists.

The Swiss U-21 star is a diamond in the rough and needs to work on his attacking skills, but his defensive numbers are solid. He ranks in the 99th percentile for interceptions and 98th for blocks.

Athekame will be Milan’s next addition as part of their squad overhaul, following the arrivals of Jashari, Samuele Ricci, Luka Modric and Pervis Estupinan.

They have agreed a deal to sign Genoa centre-back Koni De Winter for €20m. The Belgian defender is touted as Malick Thiaw’s replacement.

They are also working on a deal for Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has given the green light for a move to the San Siro.