Pranav Kannan
Transfer News: Manchester United boost as AC Milan drop out of Sven Botman race
According to Sky Italia (h/t The Sun), Manchester United are set for a transfer boost as Serie A giants AC Milan are set to drop out of the race for Lille defender Sven Botman.
Botman joined Lille from Ajax in 2020 and has since then gone on to become one of the best centre-backs in Ligue 1 over this period. A product of the famed Ajax academy, the Dutch defender made the switch even for actually breaking into the first team of the Eredivisie giants.
The 22-year-old centre-back has played 32 times for the former Ligue 1 Champions this season scoring three goals and providing one assist across all competitions. With a contract until 2025, the French club are in no rush to sell the defender.
Manchester United, Spurs, Newcastle United and AC Milan were all interested in signing the talented defender but an asking price of £47 million means that the Italian giants are set to drop out of the race for the centre-back.
A gamble worth taking?
Whilst there is absolutely no doubt that Sven Botman has the talent required to succeed at a top club, he is yet to prove it at the highest level.
The Premier League is a completely different ball game to Ligue 1 and the young Dutch defender will have to adapt to the rigours of English football. It remains to be seen as to how he goes about coping with it.
Manchester United are going through a squad rebuild and a centre-back signing is absolutely necessary. Raphael Varane is world-class but Harry Maguire has failed to impress during his time at Old Trafford. Victor Lindelof looks dependable but is equally frustrating.
A player like Sven Botman, who is young would be the ideal pairing for Varane with the experienced Frenchman capable of tutoring the Dutch starlet in a similar manner to how Sergio Ramos tutored him during his formative years.
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However, the Dutch defender will not come cheap and it remains to be seen if Manchester United consider this a gamble worth taking.
