AC Milan contact Chelsea over Tomori loan

AC Milan are interested in a deal for Fikayo Tomori and have made contact with Chelsea over a potential loan move for the out-of-favour youngster.

Tomori broke into the Chelsea first team during the opening months of last season but has struggled for opportunities over the past year, failing to start a Premier League fixture during the current campaign and making just four appearances in all competitions.

The 23-year-old has fallen behind the likes of Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma in the pecking order and has been linked with a host of clubs in recent weeks, with Premier League rivals Leeds and Newcastle amongst those reported to hold an interest in the centre-back this month.

Everton and West Ham had also made attempts to sign the defender last summer with Tomori rejecting the opportunity to leave Stamford Bridge in a bid to fight for his first-team place.

Tomori earned his first senior cap for England after his initial emergence at Chelsea in 2019 but has become a forgotten figure at Stamford Bridge, though manager Frank Lampard is believed to view the academy graduate as part of his long-term plans.

Chelsea are prepared to allow the defender to depart this month in search of regular first-team football and AC Milan have emerged as contenders to secure his signing.

Milan are keen to strengthen their defensive options as they bid to challenge for the Serie A title this season, the Rossoneri having enjoyed a remarkable renaissance this season and lead rivals Inter by three points in the title race.

New chance for Fikayo Tomori: AC Milan have contacted Chelsea for the English centre back. Tomori would accept the destination. 🔵 #cfc

…but the main target for Milan is still Mohamed Simakan [Strasbourg]. Only if the deal will collapse, Tomori would be the option. 🔴 #acmilan

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 11, 2021

Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano, says the seven-time European champions have made contact with Chelsea over a deal for Tomori, though the club’s ‘main target’ is Strasbourg youngster Mohamed Simakan.

Lampard discussed Tomori’s future this week and says ‘there is a possibility’ the defender will leave on loan before the end of the transfer window, insisting the centre-back was left out of the club’s starting XI for their 4-0 victory over Morecambe last weekend ahead of a potential move.

Speaking after the FA Cup win, Lampard said: “The situation with Fikayo is open about the moment. There is a possibility he could be going on loan to get games somewhere else.

“So that would have to be the solution for him and the club. That was part of my thinking of not starting him today.”

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