AC Milan also considering other names in case Bakayoko deal falls through — reports

While an agreement has been reached in principle for Tiémoué Bakayoko’s loan move to AC Milan for the forthcoming season, there is always the possibility of the deal falling through right at the end.

Keeping this in mind, as well as Chelsea’s demands which Milan have deemed as “exorbitant”, the Rossoneri have also been monitoring other alternate names, just in case. According to Sky Italia (via Sempre Milan), two other players that AC Milan have looked at are Boubakary Soumaré of Lille and Florentino Luis of Benfica. According to the report, Milan director Paolo Maldini has already initiated contacts with the entourage of Florentino, although a formal move will not be made for the time being.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sempre Milan) are also reporting on similar lines, claiming that while Bakayoko is still the no. 1 target, long-term target Florentino — who is also a target for Premier League side, Fulham — could come into contention should talks with Chelsea breakdown by any chance.

Milan’s offer for Bakayoko is a loan with a buying option, and while it would have been preferable to move the Frenchman permanently this summer, or at the very least, insert an obligation-to-buy in the loan deal, Bakayoko’s stance on a Rossoneri return as well as a lack of interested clubs due to the financial impact of COVID-19 may mean that the ball is in Milan’s court.