AC MIlan are having to look elsewhere for a defender after losing out to Newcastle in the race for Sven Botman.
Yes, Newcastle United have beaten Italian giants AC Milan to a signing in 2022.
It’s an incredible turn of events, and highlights how much has changed at St James’ Park since the takeover.
The Magpies can now compete with Europe’s best for signings, and have the financial power to come out on top.
Botman’s arrival should be announced today after the player underwent a medical in the North East on Monday. He also arrived at St James’ Park, where he likely completed media duties before putting pen to paper on a deal.
The 22-year-old should be unveiled as a Toon player today, although that announcement might be put on hold until later with additional season tickets set to go on sale at 10am.
There will be huge demand for those 1,000 tickets, so the club could probably do without the website getting spammed by people fawning over Botman signing his Newcastle United contract.
But as Eddie Howe prepares to welcome his man to the club, AC are having to turn to someone else.
AC Milan could move for former Newcastle target William Saliba
According to Calciomercato, Stefano Pioli’s side could now move for William Saliba. They add that Arsenal do not want to sell the Frenchman, which could give AC even more problems in their pursuit of a defender.
Saliba is a name Newcastle fans will know well, as he’s been linked with the Magpies in the past.
There was talk of the centre-back joining Steve Bruce’s side on loan last summer. However, he instead went to Marseille where he thrived.
The 21-year-old has since been linked again this summer, with Eddie Howe keen to add a defender to his squad.
He’s set to do that now, but it will be Botman instead of Saliba.
Signing Botman is a huge moment for Newcastle, and another big step in the right direction.
Milan are now looking at alternatives, and may turn to Toon target Saliba. They are welcome to him, as it is highly unlikely we will bid for another centre-back this summer.
Our attentions will turn to attack, with talk of moves for the likes of Raphinha, Moussa Diaby and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
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