AC Milan: One Problem Solved as Taiwo Agrees Terms

AC Milan were able to fix a large hole in the defense today as French media source L'Equipe has reported that Marseille left back Taye Taiwo has agreed to terms with the imminent champions of Italy.

The Rossoneri beat out Chelsea and fellow top contender Liverpool to the signature of the fullback.

The 26-year-old Nigerian World Cup star has been a monster in the back for Olympique Marseille for the past few seasons. In 2008 and 2009, he was named to the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. Since 2005, he has made an impressive 173 league appearances for Les Phocéens.

Milan have struggled in recent years to establish a rhythm with its fullbacks. Both fullbacks from the 2007 Champions League winners remain, however, both Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulovski are nearing the last days of their careers. The same can be said for Italian international Gianluca Zambrotta, who was brought in from Barcelona a couple seasons ago. He has played well at times, but cannot be expected to be an everyday fullback.

Luca Antonini had a good season during the 2009-10 campaign, but has struggled miserably this year. The only real bright spot at fullback this season has been Ignazio Abate. The 24-year-old will be holding down the right flank for several years for the Rossoneri.

L'Equipe reports that the deal between Milan and Taiwo is a three-year deal. The Nigerian can come on a free transfer. His contract with the Velodrome club expires this summer.

With a left back reportedly secure, Milan can focus on other roles which could make great additions for the club. The club are highly interested in players such as Santos attacking midfielder Ganso, Roma center back Philippe Mexes, Porto frontman Hulk, Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, Porto defensive mid Fernando Reges and Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo among others.

Whatever the summer may bring, it seems as though as long as the rumors hold true that Mexes is on his way to the San Siro this summer on a free move, Milan's defense is going to be a force to be reckoned with next year. Milan are starting to look like the Milan of old. Many more Scudettos and a return to Champions League glory are possible in the coming seasons.