20-Year-Old Full-Back from Independiente Medellín Set for Record-Breaking €3m Move.

Juan David Arizala

AC Milan are on the verge of securing a major youth coup, with a deal to sign 20-year-old Colombian talent Juan David Arizala from Deportivo Independiente Medellín entering its final stages, Sportblits.com reports.

The versatile left-footed full-back—capable of operating as a right-back, left-back, right-winger, or left-winger—has caught the Rossoneri’s eye with his explosive pace, technical flair, and attacking output. Born on October 10, 2005, in El Charco, Nariño, Arizala has made 50 senior appearances for DIM since his promotion in March 2023, netting three goals and providing one assist in 2,298 minutes of league action.

Transfer expert Matteo Moretto broke the news on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, revealing advanced negotiations:

“Il Milan è forte su Juan Arizala, terzino sinistro dell’Independiente Medellín. Trattativa avanzata tra le parti.” (Milan are strong on Juan Arizala, left-back for Independiente Medellín. Advanced talks between the parties.)

Moretto later updated on X:

“Il Milan ha di fatto già bloccato Juan David Arizala.” (Milan have in fact already secured Juan David Arizala.)

Deal Details and Record-Breaking Fee

Fabrizio Romano delivered the “here we go” confirmation on X:

“Juan Arizala to AC Milan, here we go! Deal in place for 20 year old fullback to join Milan from Deportivo Independiente Medellin. €3m fee plus sell-on clause for one of the record sales in Colombian league history.”

The €3 million upfront fee, plus a future resale percentage, marks one of the highest transfers ever from Colombia’s Categoría Primera A—outpacing many established stars and underscoring Arizala’s meteoric rise. The agreement includes provisions for his immediate integration or a potential loan spell to ease his European adaptation, with Milan valuing his long-distance shooting and precise crossing as key weapons for coach Paulo Fonseca.

From Youth Prodigy to Milan Bound

Arizala’s journey began at Cyclones FC in Valle del Cauca, where he captained the side at the 2021 Torneo Internacional de las Américas and earned a regional select call-up. Joining DIM in January 2023, he quickly ascended to the first team, featuring in 26 matches this season alone with two goals and one assist.

His international pedigree shines too: A standout at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where Colombia claimed third place (beating France but falling to Argentina in semis), and the South American U-20 Championship. Scouts praise his versatility and attacking mindset, likening him to a “modern full-back” who thrives in wide roles.

This signing fits Milan’s youth-focused strategy, bolstering depth at full-back amid injuries and departures. With the January window approaching, Arizala could debut soon—potentially joining countrymen like Yerry Mina in Serie A.

For Independiente Medellín, the windfall funds further academy investment, while Arizala eyes a dream move to the seven-time European champions. Expect medicals and paperwork to wrap up swiftly, heralding a new chapter for the Colombian sensation at San Siro.