Reports in Italy claim that Milan have explored the possibility of bringing Zachary Athekame back from his loan spell with Olympique Lyonnais ahead of schedule, but both the French club and the player are not keen on the suggestion according to the latest updates.
Report: Milan want Athekame back from Lyon, but club and player say no
Athekame joined Lyon on loan for the 2026-27 season back in August, having joined the Rossoneri in a €10m deal from Young Boys the previous summer. His loan to Lyon does not include an option to buy.
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Zachary Athekame of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
He has since gone on to provide two goals and three assists from right-back in his first seven matches in Ligue 1 and according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Calciomercato.com, the Rossoneri are keen to bring the Switzerland international back from his loan deal in January.
This is largely due to concerns regarding Samuel Chukwueze’s latest injury. The Nigerian has started six out of seven Serie A matches at right wing-back under Ruben Amorim so far in 2026-27, but is now facing two to three months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
According to Calciomercato, Milan representatives have recently been in direct contact with their counterparts in Lyon to discuss the possibility of bringing Athekame back from his loan spell in January.
DECINES-CHARPIEU, FRANCE – OCTOBER 15: Zachary Athekame of Olympique Lyonnais reacts to a play during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Olympique Lyonnais and Crystal Palace FC at OL Stadium on October 15, 2026 in Decines-Charpieu, France. (Photo by Pauline Figuet/Getty Images)
However, both the player and his loan club do not seem convinced by this idea: Athekame has become a key player under Paulo Fonseca and the former Milan coach does not want to lose his first-choice right-back, who has been described as one of the best in France so far this season.
Athekame himself is reportedly keen to continue with Lyon, where he has enjoyed an excellent start, and is only interested in returning to Milan once the 2026-27 season is over.