AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has said the Rossoneri are still deliberating over whether to sign Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori on a permanent basis.
The Serie A side do have an option to buy the 23-year-old for £26m in the summer, but Maldini did raise some doubts about the fee, stating it is a “very high” figure:
“As for Fikayo, he has unique assets of speed, intensity, for us he was a possible reinforcement for the rest of the season. There is a very high price of purchase, we will evaluate whether to exercise it or not.”
With Tomori having only started six matches for Milan so far, there is no guarantee that the Italian club will opt to keep the defender at this stage, and fans on Twitter would be glad to have him back if he does return to Stamford Bridge:
Hopefully they can’t afford him. Could thrive under Tuchel.
— MikeCFC (@Miggy_CFC09) March 1, 2021
That's okay, we'll have him back.
— Therocon (@Therocon) March 1, 2021
Pay or leave, simple Paolo.
— Lupino™ (@CFC_Lupino) March 1, 2021
Please Maldini – do not buy him.
— Krogh Vinther (@KroghVinther) March 1, 2021
very high? it’s already too much for them to have the opportunity of buying him?? better than romagnoli and their best player
— vicocfc (@Vicooo9) March 1, 2021
Just put a price tag on Tomori too high for AC Milan to pay. £26m very high? Give me a break.
— 老廃度 (@protonsensei) March 1, 2021
£26m is a steal for him, Maldini clearly knows that…
— Shyam (@shyamtalks) March 1, 2021
Good. We want him back already.
— HakimZiyechfc. (@RLCfan) March 1, 2021
It’s too early to tell where Tomori may end up next season. Rossoneri boss Stefano Pioli has picked him pretty regularly so far but that may change by the summer. His performance levels may also prompt Milan into renegotiating their purchase clause if they deem him to be worth less, although, if that happens, Chelsea would have the final say on his future. The only way the centre-back is guaranteed to depart is if they pay the full £26m.