Spanish defender Álvaro Arbeloa is about to sign with Milan

The defender, whose contract with Real Madrid expired in June, is about to sign with Milan, after accepting a one-year contract with an option for a second season, according to "La Gazzetta dello Sport."

The CEO of Milan, Adriano Galliani, contacted the player's agent, Óscar Ribot, by phone yesterday and will make Milan's first signing official in the coming days, as reported by the aforementioned media outlet.

Arbeloa, 33, has been requested by coach Vincenzo Montella, who sees the Spanish player as a necessary piece to provide experience and facilitate the growth of 21-year-old Alessio Romagnoli, who needs a character guide.

The Spanish player, who won everything in the seven seasons he played for Real Madrid (2009-2016), will arrive at Milan for free and was the most viable solution for a club that is going through a transitional period, with a group of Chinese investors who are about to acquire 80% of the club's shares from Silvio Berlusconi.

In Montella's tactical plans, Arbeloa will play as a central defender, a role he already played during his time at Liverpool, and will have a starting position in the lineup at the beginning of the season since Colombian player Cristian Zapata has just undergone ankle surgery.

EFE

Translated by Language AI assistant