Zachary Athekame is set to join Lyon on a season-long loan, with an agreement now in place between the two clubs, according to RMC Sport.
The move answers a question raised earlier by Gazzetta dello Sport, which flagged that Ruben Amorim left Athekame out against both Inter and Chelsea. The reason has become clear: advanced negotiations were already under way over a loan running through the 2026-27 season.
The logic behind the deal is playing time. Alexis Saelemaekers is Amorim's first-choice on the right, and the coach has recently been trying Samuel Chukwueze in that area too, leaving little to no room for Athekame in the current setup.
A loan therefore suits both sides, giving the full-back regular minutes he was unlikely to find at Milan this season. RMC Sport reports that Lyon could open talks over a permanent transfer next summer, depending on how he performs during the loan.
Athekame is not the only name in this situation. David Odogu was also left out against Inter and Chelsea, and a similar exit could follow for him.
From here, the loan clears a spot on the right flank, and Athekame's future at Milan now rests on what he produces in Ligue 1.