Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori completes Milan loan switch

Emmet Gates

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Chelsea have confirmed that defender Fikayo Tomori has joined AC Milan on loan until the end of the season.

Tomori had been linked with a move to the Rossoneri for a number of weeks, and talks intensified within the last seven days.

This is due in part to first choice target, Strasbourg’s Mohamed Simakan, picking up an injury that will keep him on the shelf for the next couple of months.

Milan, needing another centre-back that can play immediately, turned their attention to Tomori.

The England defender has found game time difficult to come by at Stamford Bridge this season, only featuring once in the Premier League this season.

Tomori was a regular under Chelsea boss Frank Lampard at Derby County in the 2018/19 season, but found life more complicated at the Blues.

As such, Milan have now taken the 23-year-old Chelsea man on loan for the rest of the season.

Furthermore, the Rossoneri have the option to sign Tomori permanently for a figure of around €30m, should he prove to be a success at San Siro.

Why Milan have signed Tomori

Milan have been in the market for a defender for some time, as regular centre-backs Simon Kjaer and Alessio Romagnoli have picked up various injuries this season.

Youngster Matteo Gabbia has failed to make the most of his chances when deputising for one of Kjaer or Romagnoli, whilst Frenchman Pierre Kalulu is more of a right-back than central defender.

Mateo Musacchio is surplus to requirements at the club, and is expected to leave this summer.

With Milan still in three competitions, Tomori can expect to receive ample playing time in Italy.

The 23-year-old made his debut for England in the 4-0 win against Kosovo in November 2019, having also played for the U-20 England and Canada sides.

Tomori will be the first English player to play for Milan since David Beckham joined the club on loan from LA Galaxy in 2009 and 2010.