AC Milan are reportedly closing in on the signing of Fode Ballo-Toure from Monaco to bolster our options at left-back.
The Rossoneri are lacking quality depth in that department behind Theo Hernandez, and particularly with our return to the Champions League in mind, additional options are needed in specific areas in order to ensure we’re ready to compete on multiple fronts.
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As reported by MilanNews, via Gianluca Di Marzio, there is a minimal difference between offer and demand and so it appears as though a deal could be reached soon.
Should the Monaco defender seal a move to join Milan though, what would he bring to the squad?
Stats, report and style of play of Ballo-Toure
The 24-year-old came through the Paris Saint-Germain youth ranks before joining Lille in 2017, while a move to Monaco followed two years later.
Last season, Ballo-Toure made 29 appearances and provided five assists to go along with his defensive work, showcasing an ability to offer creativity and a good delivery from the left flank when venturing forward.
A natural left-back, he has four caps for Senegal to his name, and is beginning to cement his place both for club and country amid rumours of a move to Milan.
As seen in the video below, he is comfortable in possession and is more than happy to push forward to offer an attacking outlet, while his technical quality and classy left foot offer good distribution.
With good physical strength, pace and composure, Ballo-Toure offers a similar sort of impact to Theo Hernandez but not quite at that level just yet, and so it’s easy to see why Milan have targeted him to offer a back-up option in the event that our first-choice left-back is unavailable for selection.
It’s important that Ballo-Toure continues to improve defensively and is a reliable and resilient presence on that side of the defence, as evidently he has all the qualities needed in terms of when Milan have possession and need something from him in the attacking third.
Time will tell if a move materialises this summer, but it’s easy to see why Milan are said to be interested and Ballo-Toure could be a sensible fit for us if he were to arrive to keep pushing Hernandez and give Stefano Pioli another option in that role.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9wAPcliaqA
