ML: Milan targeting experienced Aston Villa defender for potential dual role

AC Milan are thinking about potential reinforcements in the wing-back role, and a name in the Premier League has emerged.

At present, Milan have a couple of starting options on the flanks in Alexis Saelemaekers and Pervis Estupinan, but behind them there are question marks. Davide Bartesaghi and Zachary Athekame are both very young and are not natural wing-backs, so some depth could be sought.

Digne on Milan’s radar

As MilanLive report, Milan have always had a large presence of French players in the squad in recent years, and another could arrive. Lucas Digne of Aston Villa has been targeted by the management, who are looking for an experienced option.

He knows the league well having played at Roma, and would arrive to be the back-up left wing-back, but could also be used as left centre-back to compete/rotate with Strahinja Pavlovic. Given he is 32 years of age, a fee of €6-7m could be enough as per the report.

Digne for his part ‘would not mind a return to Serie A, especially if a team like AC Milan were to come calling’. Depending how this season goes, he knows that a move to Milan could give him the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season.

His potential purchase is clearly tied to securing a top-four finish in the current campaign, but there are several factors that could help the Rossoneri, as is the presence of the likes of Maignan (though his deal is expiring), Rabiot, Fofana and Nkunku.