As the summer transfer window progresses, AC Milan continues its meticulous work behind the scenes, attempting to fine-tune a squad capable of competing at the highest levels. The Rossoneri`s strategy often involves a delicate balance of identifying immediate needs and investing in future potential. Currently, two Swiss talents dominate the headlines: Zachary Athekame, a promising right-back, and Ardon Jashari, a tenacious midfielder. Their respective transfer sagas offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricate dance of modern football negotiations.
The Athekame Approach: A Pragmatic Pivot
AC Milan`s pursuit of a new right-back has taken a decisive turn, with the club now confidently closing in on Zachary Athekame from Young Boys. This move follows what appears to be a strategic pivot after earlier difficulties in acquiring Guela Doué from Strasbourg. While Doué was reportedly deemed “too expensive” at an asking price of €23 million – a sum Milan was unwilling to meet – the focus has now shifted to Athekame with an initial offer reported to be around €7 million. This significant price difference highlights Milan`s commitment to fiscal prudence, even if it means adjusting their targets.
Athekame, a Swiss-Nigerian defender born in 2004, has spent his formative years at Young Boys, where he recently completed his first senior season in Switzerland`s top flight. His resume includes 30 league appearances, 18 of which were starts, alongside a taste of elite European competition with eight appearances in the Champions League. Scouts highlight his pace, sharp interceptions, and clean tackling as standout attributes. Interestingly, Athekame originally honed his skills as a pure winger before being transitioned to a full-back role, suggesting a player with inherent attacking instincts now disciplined in defensive duties.
The question naturally arises: Is a player who has never plied his trade outside his native Switzerland truly ready for the rigors of Serie A and the demanding atmosphere of San Siro? Milan`s management, buoyed by the player`s personal agreement to join, seems to believe so. Their confidence reportedly stems from Athekame`s observable on-field aggression and a perceived fearlessness that could be crucial for adapting to a new league and a higher competitive standard. The optimism is further fueled by excellent working relationships between Milan`s Sporting Director, Igli Tare, and Young Boys, suggesting an amicable resolution to negotiations is within reach.
The Jashari Impasse: A Matter of Principle?
While the Athekame deal seems to be navigating smoother waters, Milan`s other significant transfer objective, Ardon Jashari, presents a far more entrenched challenge. The Swiss midfielder, a target for the Rossoneri for some time, is currently caught in a stalemate with his club, Club Brugge.
Milan has tabled a substantial offer for Jashari: €33.5 million upfront, complemented by an additional €4.5 million in bonuses, with a significant portion of these bonuses described as “easily achievable.” By any objective measure, this is a considerable investment, clearly signaling Milan`s intent and valuation of the player. However, Club Brugge has steadfastly maintained its defensive posture, rebuffing Milan`s advances despite Jashari`s unequivocal desire to don the Rossoneri colors.
Adding a touch of theatrical irony to the situation, Jashari has been included in Club Brugge`s squad for their upcoming Champions League preliminary fixtures, despite not having played a single official minute this season. This raises eyebrows and suggests a strategic move by Brugge to assert control, potentially hoping to influence the player`s stance or inflate his market value further. Yet, Jashari remains undeterred. He is reportedly preparing for yet another face-to-face meeting with Club Brugge management, where he intends to reiterate his firm desire to move to Milan. His stance is strengthened by a crucial detail: an alleged promise made months ago that he would be granted a transfer if a club of his preference submitted an offer exceeding €30 million. With Milan`s offer comfortably surpassing this threshold, Jashari and the Rossoneri now expect Club Brugge to honor what was, ostensibly, a gentleman`s agreement.
AC Milan`s summer transfer window is shaping up to be a test of strategic acumen and negotiating prowess. The pursuit of Athekame represents a pragmatic, perhaps even shrewd, acquisition of young talent. Conversely, the Jashari saga is a classic transfer market narrative: a determined player, a financially committed buyer, and a stubborn selling club clinging to its asset, perhaps on principle, or perhaps simply hoping for a higher bid. As August progresses, the football world watches to see if Milan`s patience and strategic depth will ultimately pay dividends in securing these key reinforcements.