Arsenal and Tottenham are exploring the possibility of acquiring a 24-year-old German player

The transfer window is heating up, and one name attracting serious attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs is AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw. The 24-year-old German centre-back has been linked with a number of high-profile moves this summer, with Premier League giants Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur now exploring the possibility of bringing him to England.

Thiaw’s situation at Milan has grown increasingly uncertain in recent weeks. Despite being an important figure in Stefano Pioli’s defensive setup last season, the Italian club has found itself fielding multiple approaches for his signature. This has led to speculation that Milan could cash in if the right offer arrives, especially given the strong interest from abroad.

Juventus have been one of the most persistent admirers of Thiaw and have explored the idea of a swap deal involving Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic — a player Milan have long admired. However, negotiations have been complicated by differing valuations of the two players and by Massimiliano Allegri’s continued faith in Thiaw’s ability to contribute significantly to Juve’s defensive solidity.

Newcastle United have already made a bold move, submitting a formal €30 million bid to test Milan’s resolve. Manager Eddie Howe is said to have been a fan of Thiaw for months, holding informal talks about the player’s availability as far back as January. The Magpies view him as a key piece in their ongoing efforts to bolster a backline that showed moments of vulnerability last season.

Arsenal and Tottenham are now firmly in the mix. Both clubs are monitoring the situation closely, aware that Thiaw’s combination of height, strength, and composure on the ball could make him a perfect fit for the Premier League. While Arsenal’s defensive unit is currently well-stocked, Mikel Arteta is always keen to add quality depth, particularly with the demands of European football looming.

Tottenham, on the other hand, are more urgently in need of a centre-back. Ange Postecoglou’s attacking style demands defenders who can cope with high defensive lines and rapid transitions, and Thiaw’s physicality, coupled with his reading of the game, makes him a compelling target. Spurs have also been linked with other defenders this summer, but Thiaw’s availability could see them shift their focus.

Nottingham Forest have also expressed interest, albeit from a different perspective. With survival in the Premier League their top priority, they are on the lookout for a leader in defense who can make an immediate impact. Thiaw’s Bundesliga background and Serie A experience suggest he could adapt quickly to the English game.

Interest in Thiaw isn’t confined to England. Bayer Leverkusen are actively pursuing defensive reinforcements and view the German international as an ideal fit for their system. The Bundesliga club’s sporting directors have reportedly opened discussions with Milan in an attempt to bring him back to his home country.

A surprising twist came when Serie A newcomers Como agreed a €25 million fee with Milan and offered Thiaw a net salary of €4 million per year. Despite the lucrative nature of the offer, the player turned it down, prioritizing his long-term career trajectory over immediate financial gain. This decision has only heightened the belief that Thiaw’s next move will be to a top-tier club competing for major honours.

As the window edges towards its conclusion, Milan find themselves in a difficult position. Selling Thiaw would free up funds for reinforcements, but losing him could leave a significant gap in their defense. With so many clubs circling, the Rossoneri will have to weigh the benefits of a big-money sale against the stability of keeping a key player.

For Arsenal and Tottenham, the race to sign Thiaw could come down to ambition and playing time. Arsenal may struggle to offer him a guaranteed starting role, while Spurs can dangle the promise of being a central figure in their defensive rebuild. Either way, the battle for his signature looks set to be one of the more intriguing storylines in the final days of the summer transfer window.