Tomori could suit Arsenal after shining for Milan

Fikayo Tomori has become one of the most accomplished defenders around at AC Milan.

But rumours linking him with a return to England have been inevitable ever since he hit top gear in Italy.

After Arsenal were the latest club to reportedly show interest in the Chelsea academy product, we take a look at what comes next.

Successful move

Tomori's bold call to leave Chelsea for Milan has certainly proved successful.

The centre-back cost the Serie A club a reported £25million fee with £5m in add-ons — a price that Chelsea would surely buy him back for now.

Having spent an initial six months on loan, the 26-year-old has played 121 matches for the Rossoneri.

And considering legendary defender Paolo Maldini has been influential at the club for much of that period, the left-sided centre-back must be doing something right.

Next step

Tomori has impressed with his front-foot defending and ability on the ball.

This season alone he ranks second for interceptions and fourth for tackles in Stefano Pioli's squad — and also plays more passes per game than any player in the whole of Serie A.

His style should translate perfectly to a team that is even more dominant domestically and in Europe.

His next move must be to sign for a club that will win silverware and establish the defender as one of the best in world football.

Family of Gunners

Arsenal may well be the club that tempts Tomori back to England.

Premier League titles are no certainty at the Emirates but the Gunners look set to consistently challenge under Mike Arteta and should also regularly be among the favourites for the Champions League.

And their chances of attracting him are helped by the fact the former Chelsea stopper is from a family of Arsenal supporters.

He told All Football last year: "My family were all Arsenal fans, so I was following them. I was probably just more of a football fan than of any team but [Thierry] Henry was my idol."

Rumours linked current centre-back Gabriel with a switch away from North London at the beginning of the season and any such future move would open up the perfect vacancy next to William Saliba in Arteta's backline. 

England chances

Tomori may also reason that moving back to England would boost his chances of selection for the national team.

The Milan star has been picked in Gareth Southgate's last three squads but still appears to be below Marc Guehi and Lewis Dunk in the pecking order among the reserve centre-backs.

And while Jude Bellingham is the exception to the rule, there is a feeling that Southgate prefers to pick players based in the Premier League.

A return to the English top flight would see Tomori regularly test himself against the best forwards domestic football has to offer and to prove why he should be the long-term answer at the back for the Three Lions.