AC Milan are in the driving seat for the race of young LOSC Lille winger Jonathan Ikone in the upcoming summer transfer window. Milan are looking for a new first-team right-winger as Samuel Castillejo hasn’t shown his best for the Rossoneri. And Saelemaekers doesn’t have the quality to become the first choice.
Ikone made 40 appearances for Christophe Galtier’s side in all competitions. He managed to score and assist seven goals each. His contributions have helped Lille secure the top of the Ligue 1 table.
The 22-year-old French winger got his senior call up for France national squad for games against Albania and Andorra in September 2019. He scored on his debut against Albania after coming on as a 77-minute substitute for Kingsley Coman. Since then he has made four appearances for Les Bleus.
Will Ikone end up at Milan?
Ikone made his professional debut on 28 September 2016 in the UEFA Champions League for PSG against Ludogorets replacing Ángel Di María after 88 minutes in a 1–3 away win. He made his Ligue 1 debut three days later against Bordeaux. This time once again coming on in place of Di María after 88 minutes in a 2–0 home win.
In January 2017, Ikoné loaned to fellow Ligue 1 side Montpellier for the rest of the season. He made his debut against Metz three days later and played the whole match. In July 2018, Ikoné joined Ligue 1 side Lille on a five-year contract. Since then he made 152 appearances for Les Dogues and managed to score 17 times.
According to reports, Lille value the France international at about €30 million hence it will be tough for Milan to negotiate that price down. They are also trying to sign the on-loan Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori on a permanent in the summer which will cost about €28 million.
The report also suggests that the Rossoneri are exploring other options as well. Atalanta forward Josip Ilicic and another French winger Florian Thauvin of Olympique de Marseille are on Milan’s list.
French journalist Louis Girardi said there was contact between Milan and the player’s entourage. He reported that an offer may have likely even been made. The offer to Lille is a one year loan with an option to buy for €26 million which becomes an obligation if Milan win the title.
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