Reports: Milan want to close Athekame deal quickly with new bid ready – the latest

AC Milan want to get a deal wrapped up for Young Boys right-back Zachary Athekame in the coming days, with a new offer ready.

Milan have been linked with a number of players to strengthen that side of the defence, from Guela Doue to Marc Pubill. However, Athekame’s name first emerged in a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport earlier in the week, and things have since accelerated quite quickly from there.

It was reported on Sunday that Milan are ‘very, very close’ to striking an agreement over the 20-year-old defender. The fee is expected to be more towards €10m compared to the initial bid, which was €3m less.

Milan push to close quickly

Now, Fabrizio Romano has published the following update: “AC Milan are prepared to improve their bid and close deal for Zachary Athekame. Young Boys informed Milan this morning that they want more than €7m initial bid. Athekame only wants Milan.”

Photos: Marco Luzzani + Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images

His colleague Matteo Moretto adds: “Milan are pushing to finalise Zachary Athekame. In recent hours, Young Boys rejected the first official offer of €7m for the Swiss right-back.

“The Rossoneri are ready to make a new bid in the coming hours. Advanced negotiations between the parties, Milan aims to finalise everything by midweek.”

This Swiss U21 international currently plays for BSC Young Boys in his home country. He has made 45 appearances across all competitions, with one goal and three assists to his name, having joined from Neuchatel Xamax FCS.