AC Milan have finally come to an agreement with Barcelona for Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will return to Italy on loan with the possibility of a permanent switch after a year.

The deal had been rumoured to be close to completion after Ibrahimovic’s agent Mino Raiola announced that his client was nearing a switch to the Serie A club.

Both clubs have reportedly shaken hands over a one-year loan for the Swedish international, while AC Milan will have the option to sign the player permanently thereafter with paid instalments over a period of four years, as the club continues to struggle financially and adopts a more prudent approach.

The move was always set to go through with Ibrahimovic growing increasingly unhappy at Barcelona and revealing that he had not spoken to coach Pep Guardiola for months. The Swedish international – who arrived at the Catalan club in a high profile move that also saw striker Samuel Eto’o move in the opposite direction to Inter Milan – was also less than pleased with the arrival of former Valencia star David Villa which would see him play less of a major role in the team.

The transfer fee is reportedly around £33 million while the former Inter star will be paid an annual salary of £7 million a season at the San Siro.

The striker is currently on his way to Milan for a medical and to complete the necessary paperwork before the deal is announced by both clubs and the striker subsequently unveiled to the fans before their opening Serie A game on Sunday.

Tags: AC Milan, Barcelona, La Liga, Serie A, transfer news, Zlatan Ibrahimovic