AC Milan plot transfer swoop for Leicester City's Caleb Okoli | OneFootball

AC Milan look to Leicester City's Caleb Okoli in search of defensive boost.

Italian giants AC Milan are looking to bolster their defensive options this summer, and have turned their attention to Leicester City's Caleb Okoli as a prime target.

Milan have had a very busy summer in the way of transfer with some big names departing the club, such as the likes of Theo Hernandez leaving for Saudi Arabia and Malick Thiaw heading to the Premier League with Newcastle.

Despite plenty of movement out of the door, Milan have done business of their own, quickly seeking to replace their outgoings, having signed the young and exciting Koni De Winter from fellow Italian side, Genoa, and Pervis Estupinan from Brighton.

AC Milan show keen interest in Leicester City defender Caleb Okoli

Milan, however, don't seem to be finished just yet, with it being reported via MilanNews24 that they are interested in signing Caleb Okoli from Leicester City.

The 24-year-old signed for the Foxes on a five-year deal from Serie A side Atalanta for the start of their Premier League campaign last season, but may be set for a swift move away from the Midlands back to his native homeland.

After seeking to impress when playing in Serie A with Cremonese, Atalanta, and Frosinone respectively, Okoli has been widely respected as an up-and-coming prospect across Italy, having featured in the youth national team at U19 and U21 level.

With Milan looking for defensive reinforcements to fill the void left by those leaving the club this summer, Okoli tops the list for the European giants who will be competing in the Champions League this campaign.

Because of their European run, AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri will be wanting sufficient squad depth for the 2025/26 season, which the signing of the Italian would certainly bring.

According to MilanNews24, Milan have monitored the Leicester man for some time now and has expressed his openness to a possible move to the club as he looks to be included in the national team setup with the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the corner.

It's been reported by Tuttosport that a draft agreement has already been reached between the two sides for a contract worth €1.8-€2 million/£1.5-£1.7m per season until 2030 for the centre-back.

However, it is understood that the Foxes are asking for €20-25/£17.2-21.5m, and must identify a possible replacement for Okoli before they do any business.

Caleb Okoli is a prized possession in Leicester side

After making 19 Premier League appearances last year, which saw Leicester face the drop-down to the Championship, Okoli's first season in the Midlands was steady to say the least.

The Italian scored one goal for the Foxes and was a consistent performer and glimmer of light in an overall disappointing season.

Fast-forward to now and Okoli is a valuable asset at the King Power due to the valuation the club hold him at.

With AC Milan seeming willing to pay the asking price for the defender, his time in England could well be brief, but a future star may be on the cards overseas in Italy.

With Okoli still being contracted to Leicester until 2029, it will certainly take an impressive offer to sell the defender. However, if his heart lies in Italy, it could be hard for Leicester to keep their reliable 24-year-old.

Okoli featured for the Foxes in their opening day clash with Sheffield Wednesday and looks to be a key part of Marti Cifuentes' backline as the season kicks off, but with plenty of speculation about where his future lies, the deal is dependent on Milan if they are to make a push for his signature.