AC Milan chief Franco Baresi has confirmed that the Serie A side will all-but certainly attempt to make Fikayo Tomori's loan move permanent this summer.
Tomori made the move to Italy on a loan deal in the January transfer window amid a lack of game time under Frank Lampard, and he has already made an impression at San Siro.
The centre-back has already made 12 appearances for AC Milan, helping them in their title bid, though they will likely come up short with rivals Inter establishing a commanding lead before the international break.
Nevertheless, Tomori has clearly made an impression, so much so that Milan chief Baresi has said he and his colleagues will attempt to make the deal permanent amid a £23million option to buy.
"We will do everything possible to sign him on a permanent deal," Baresi told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Two months are remaining until the end of the season, and it's not only up to Milan.
"Tomori is imposing himself with talent and determination. He has shown no fear playing in a new league. He can potentially become a great champion. I hope he lives up to expectations.'"
The deal is in AC Milan's hands with the £23million option to buy, but by suggesting it's not 'only up to Milan', Baresi is likely suggesting Tomori himself will have a big say in the potential deal.
Having struggled for game time, Tomori may not jump at the chance to return to Chelsea, particularly given the level of competition at centre-back currently.
But things have changed since he made the move, with Thomas Tuchel taking over from Lampard just days after his departure.
The issue Tomori would have is that Thiago Silva appears likely to extend his one-year deal beyond this season and the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta have been favoured.
Tomori's current contract at Stamford Bridge runs to 2024, but the option to buy, of course, gives the contract little meaning when it comes to a potential transfer.
