AC Milan are reportedly considering bringing Zachary Athekame back from his loan spell at Lyon ahead of schedule, with discussions expected to take place during the January transfer window. According to Tuttosport, the Rossoneri are increasingly interested in securing the Swiss defender’s return as they look to strengthen their defensive options for the second half of the season.

Athekame has reportedly made significant progress during his time in France, demonstrating improvements that could make him a valuable addition to Milan’s first-team squad. The club’s interest is also driven by ongoing injury problems, particularly in the full-back positions. With Ruben Amorim favouring a four-defender formation, Milan could benefit from having another reliable option available to provide greater depth and flexibility.

However, bringing the 21-year-old back will not be straightforward. Lyon are understood to be reluctant to release him without financial compensation, as no early termination agreement was established before the summer. As a result, Milan will need to negotiate acceptable terms with the French club before any potential deal can move forward. January is currently viewed as the most likely period for discussions.

Athekame originally joined Milan in the summer of 2025 as a long-term investment and received occasional first-team opportunities during his previous campaign. His development in France has strengthened his case for a more prominent role at San Siro. Meanwhile, changes within Milan’s coaching setup following Paulo Fonseca’s departure could also influence the defender’s future and the club’s decision-making process.

Beyond Athekame’s situation, Milan are reportedly preparing for a busy January transfer window, with owner Gerry Cardinale keen to reinforce the squad. The club are currently prioritising contract extensions for several key players while also assessing defensive targets, including Gonçalo Inacio and Massiré Sylla. Meanwhile, young talents Francesco Camarda and Christian Comotto are expected to leave on loan to gain valuable playing experience.