Do Milan need Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori?

Emmet Gates

• Updated: 17 May 2021 20:31 BST
• 2 min read

According to latest reports, Milan are turning their attention to Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori in this transfer window.

Milan have been in the market for a defender for some time, and it was reported that the club was closing in on a move for Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan.

However it seems as if the Rossoneri are moving on from Simakan in light of his injury, which is thought to keep the defender on the sidelines for a month or more.

Milan could move for Tomori on loan until the end of the season, with the English player seeking first team opportunities.

Do the Italian side need a defender, however?

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Defensive problems

In a word, yes. Milan could do with signing another central defender.

Their current centre backs are Simon Kjaer and Alessio Romagnoli, but both have suffered with injuries at various stages of the season.

Mateo Musacchio is out of favour under coach Stefano Pioli, and despite returning from a long-term injury, has had little game time this season.

Italian Matteo Gabbia has also received ample playing time for Milan this season, but the young defender is relatively inexperienced at this level, and hasn’t looked comfortable in many of his outings so far.

A loan deal for the youngster could be in store in order to maximise playing time.

Right-back Pierre Kalulu has deputised at centre back in recent times, owing to the absence of Kjaer. However it’s clear that with Milan still in three competitions, and with European football to resume next month, they will need extra bodies at the back.

Should Romagnoli or Kjaer pick up longer-term injuries as the season heads towards its final straight, then Milan’s chances of winning a first league title in a decade could be in jeopardy. Their squad is relatively thin in several areas, with central defence being the main one.

So signing another centre back is vital for their prospects this campaign.