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AC Milan back in for USMNT star as city rivalry brews

By Robert Wheeler

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 3: Antonee Robinson #5 of the United States checking out the field prior to the start of the game before a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Netherlands and USMNT at Khalifa International Stadium on December 3, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 3: Antonee Robinson #5 of the United States checking out the field prior to the start of the game before a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Netherlands and USMNT at Khalifa International Stadium on December 3, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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Antonee Robinson played in every minute of the USMNT’s World Cup campaign and has recently been linked with a move to Inter Milan. However, after hearing this news, their city rivals AC Milan are now reported interested.

According to The Sun, “AC Milan have reacted to the news that their neighbours (Inter) are keen. And now they are back on Robinson’s trail. However, he would be seen as cover with France’s Theo Hernandez already in their side. Milan could buy Robinson and loan him out.”

Robinson came very close to signing for Milan back in 2020 when he was playing in the EFL Championship for Wigan Athletic. Unfortunately, he had a problem with his medical and the deal fell through on the January transfer deadline day.

The Fulham defender has proved his fitness since the failed medical. In total for the Cottagers, he has played 82 times, scoring three goals with four assists.

Should Antonee Robinson sign with AC Milan?

With Robinson coming so close to signing for Milan, nearly three years ago now, finally joining them would banish some demons of his failed medical. He is a much better player than he was then, having experienced playing in the Premier League and amassing 33 caps for his country.

However, it may put him off that Milan are reportedly only in for him because their rivals want to sign him. This is not the best reason for signing a player.

Also, they would see him as a backup for Hernandez. Robinson should be playing first-team football, which he already does at Fulham.

The possibility of joining Milan and then going out on loan should not be an option, as Robinson is now 25 and should only join a club where he can settle.

There would still be a temptation to join Milan for its history. Just like Inter, Milan’s only retired numbers are of defenders. Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi, (numbers 3 and 6) are the two legendary players who have had that honour.

Milan currently has Sergiño Dest at the club, who is on loan from Barcelona. However, Robinson’s USMNT teammate has managed just nine appearances so far this season.

Or would Inter be a better option?

Although they do not have a history with Robinson, Inter seem to genuinely be interested in the player, and not just because their rivals want him.

Robinson would be competing for a starting place with Federico Dimarco at Inter, so he would still have the challenge of getting into Simone Inzaghi’s team, with Dimarco playing in all 15 of their Serie A games, scoring three goals and creating one assist.

Inter are currently in fifth place in the league, which is lower in the table than Milan, who is second. Both teams are also still in the Champions League.

At Inter he would be used as a wing-back, which Robinson would suit with his pace, while Milan plays with a back four, which is what he is used to at Fulham.

Robinson is known for being a big Star Wars fan, and ‘Jedi’ would have a tough decision choosing between the blue of Inter or the red of Milan.

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