Barcelona youngster Jean-Clair Todibo could reportedly be on the move this summer, with Serie A heavyweights AC Milan preparing a €25 million offer.

As per a report from Spanish publication Don Balon, Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo could be on his way out of Camp Nou just six months after arriving, as Serie A giants AC Milan are interested in signing the Frenchman.

Todibo arrived at Barcelona from French outfit Toulouse in the January transfer window, after impressing in the first half of the 2018-19 campaign, which was his debut season with the senior team. The 19-year-old signed a contract with the La Liga champions till the summer of 2023.

Upon arriving, Todibo featured just twice over the course of the second half of the season for Barcelona. And while he did impress in the limited opportunities that came his way, the teenager’s game time is unlikely to see any drastic improvement in the upcoming campaign either.

Barcelona have Gerard Pique nailed down as one of the two starting centre-backs with the French duo of Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti competing for the second spot at the heart of the defence. Having allowed Thomas Vermaelen to leave upon the expiry of his contract, the Catalans will need someone to offer further cover, with Todibo expected to fill in that role.

Todibo to leave Barcelona? (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Todibo to leave Barcelona? (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

While the Frenchman lacks the requisite experience at the top level, Barcelona consider him as a decent fallback option. However, should an offer come along that they deem acceptable, the La Liga champions are willing to cash in on Todibo as per the report.

Premier League outfit Watford had been linked with a move for the teenager earlier this summer, and now AC Milan have emerged as a potential suitor for the versatile Frenchman who can operate as a centre-back and a defensive midfielder as well.

Apart from captain Alessio Romagnoli and Mateo Musacchio, Milan lack options at the heart of the defence. Talented youngster Mattia Caldara is out with an ACL injury and is unlikely to return until December, while the Rossoneri saw Cristian Zapata leave as well, leaving them short-handed in the centre-back department.

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren was on Milan’s radar, while they have recently been linked with Manchester United’s Eric Bailly as well. But, their interest in Todibo seems to make more sense considering that he is a much more realistic option in comparison to the aforementioned names, both of whom are unlikely to be sold by their clubs.

AC Milan, as per the report, are willing to offer €25 million to secure Todibo’s services which should be enough to convince Barcelona to part with the Frenchman. The report also adds that the Catalans are eyeing Borussia Dortmund’s Dan-Axel Zagadou as a possible replacement as well. So, should Milan come up with the offer, a sale could very well be on the cards this summer.

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