Zachary Athekame left AC Milan on loan in the summer – a decision which was questioned at the time – and he could return already.

It’s been an incredible start to life for Athekame so far; the Swiss defender has shone for Lyon, scoring twice and getting three assists in his opening seven games. His potential was known; now it seems that it’s his level, with a new ceiling in place.

With this start, questions about his return have already started, as have suggestions of interest from abroad. However, Milan remain largely in control and they may have to make a decision in the coming weeks.

Athekame

Yesterday’s news of Samuel Chukwueze’s injury only intensified ongoing conversations about Athekame’s return being fast-tracked to the January mercato, in a situation similar to Matteo Gabbia’s return. When the idea was first imagined, the Rossoneri were not in crisis, but they may be now.

The Nigerian winger, as Calciomercato.com reports, could be out for a ‘significant’ period. With the squad lacking a proper alternative, Athekame’s return is the obvious answer.

It may not be that simple, though. Paulo Fonseca is desperate to keep him until the end of the season – at least – and Lyon would require some sort of compensation; they wouldn’t entertain talks without that idea being discussed. In other words, it may not be as simple as Gabbia’s recall.