The 23-year-old centre half has put pen to paper on a new deal with the Blues, which runs until the summer of 2025. Nouwen joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2021 and signed a three-year contract.

Speaking on the extension and subsequent loan, general manager Paul Green said: ‘We are delighted that Aniek has extended her contract with the club. Aniek is one of the best young defenders in the world, who needs to keep developing and we see this as a great opportunity for her.

‘Emma [Hayes] and I are looking forward to seeing her add even more experience to her game at AC Milan over the upcoming months.’

Nouwen made her professional debut with PSV in 2016, scoring 15 times in 100 appearances and winning the KNVB Cup during her time there. She also finished as runner-up in the Eredivisie in her final season before leaving for west London.

In her debut year for Chelsea, Nouwen made her first start against Leicester City in October 2021. She scored her only goals of the season in wins over the Foxes in the FA Cup and the WSL later in the campaign. She was also part of our double-winning squad last season.

On the international stage, Nouwen starred for the Netherlands at various age groups and stepped up to the senior side in 2019. She scored in the victory over Estonia which secured their spot at the 2022 European Championships where she represented her country, and was part of the squad at the Olympics the previous year.

Everyone at Chelsea sends their congratulations to Aniek on her new contract and wishes her every success during her time on loan in Italy.