In search of regular playing time, Fikayo Tomori joined AC Milan on loan in the winter market and they retain an option to make the Chelsea player’s stay permanent in the summer.
Even though he has made only seven appearances for the Rossoneri, there’s a lot of excitement at the San Siro over his arrival.
Calciomercato state the defender is like a ‘sponge’ as he learns ‘everything in no time’. The Serie A side have also realised they are dealing with the 23-year-old who has ‘clear ideas and a strong personality’.
Milan chief Paolo Maldini admitted on Sunday a decision on whether or not to exercise the option to make the Blues owned centre-back’s stay permanent will be taken at the end of this season.
“There is a right of redemption with Chelsea – it is very high. It will be an assessment between now and the end of the season whether or not to exercise it,” Maldini was quoted as saying by Sport Mediaset.
According to Calciomercato, the redemption price is set ‘very high’ and is at an above-market figure’ of €28m because the west London club ‘strongly believe’ in Tomori’s potential.
In the coming weeks, Maldini and Frederic Massara will continue to work with Thomas Tuchel’s side to get a ‘substantial discount’ compared to the earlier figure agreed between the two clubs.
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has a reputation of a tough negotiator and Milan are aware Granovskaia, a ‘skilled strategist’, is a ‘very tough nut to crack in the negotiations’.
Whether Milan will be able to lower the figure or will Chelsea be hold on to Tomori remains to be seen.
