AC Milan set to sign Malick Thiaw from Schalke 04 | OneFootball

AC Milan have agreed on a deal to sign promising defensive talent Malick Thiaw from Schalke 04, according to Gianluca DiMarzio.

Thiaw will arrive in Milan tomorrow for his medical tests before signing the contract on Monday.

The 21-year-old will cost Milan around €6 million. The Rossoneri have been monitoring Thiaw for two seasons and have finally landed their man.

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli also confirmed the transfer following the club’s convincing 2-0 win over Bologna FC at the San Siro.

Speaking to Sky Italia (via Milan News), the Italian manager said: “He has to do the medical examinations, then let’s see.

“Thiaw is a player with great potential. He is fast, he is intelligent, and he has good technique and physicality. He is a guy who has the right characteristics to be within our group.”

Following the departure of Alessio Romagnoli for free to Lazio, Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara have been scouting to find a replacement for the former club captain.

They missed out on Sven Botman, while Paris Saint-Germain defender Abdou Diallo rejected the chance to join the Serie A champions.

Milan began to consider a loan deal for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as they are close to finalising a deal for Wesley Fofana from Leicester City.

However, the London club has blocked any move for their academy graduate.

Milan have now settled on Thiaw and look set to bring the German under-21 defender to Italy.

Thiaw made his debut for Schalke in 2019 against TSG Hoffenheim after coming through the club’s youth ranks. He has made over 60 appearances for the first team in three years.

He was an integral part of the Schalke side that gained promotion last season. He has started three of the club’s four games in the Bundesliga this season.

Thiaw will become Milan’s third summer signing after they sealed deals for Charles De Ketelaere and Divock Origi. They also redeemed obligations to buy for Junior Messias and Alessandro Florenzi.

Milan have admirably started the season, winning two and drawing one of their first three league games.

They are top of Serie A. Milan could maintain their grip on the top spot if Napoli slip up in their game against Fiorentina.