Milan are now prioritizing the acquisition of Sporting Lisbona defender Gonçalo Inácio following the completion of the transfer for Gonçalo Ramos, according to reports from Italy. New Milan manager Paulo Amorim has reportedly identified Inácio as a key target to bolster his defensive options and implement his preferred style of play.
Amorim, who played a crucial role in securing Ramos, has communicated a list of desired reinforcements to the Milan leadership. The Portuguese coach is personally involved in contract extension talks with key players such as Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot, and Luka Modrić, aiming to convince them to remain committed to the Milan project. He has also spoken with Rafael Leão, though that situation is described as separate.
Initial approaches for Benfica’s Antonio Silva reportedly stalled due to a gap between Milan’s offer of €20 million plus bonuses and Benfica’s €30 million valuation. This prompted the club to turn their attention to Inácio, a 24-year-old left-footed centre-back who Amorim previously managed at Sporting Lisbona. Inácio has a release clause of €60 million, but Sporting are reportedly open to offers starting around €45-50 million.
Milan are currently prepared to offer up to €40 million including add-ons, though that figure could potentially increase if Inácio is definitively identified as the preferred option. Other defensive targets being considered by Milan include Ousmane Diomande of Sporting Lisbona, Lisandro Martínez and Leny Yoro of Manchester United, and José Giménez of Atlético Madrid. The club has also received offers for John Stones, recently released by Manchester City, and Tiago Gabriel of Lecce.
Agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly involved in potential deals for both Trincão, an attacking winger Amorim previously coached, and Tiago Gabriel. There is also speculation surrounding the future of Christian Pulisic, with Liverpool potentially interested in the American as a replacement for Mohamed Salah. The arrival of Inácio would provide Amorim with a defender comfortable in possession, a key requirement for his tactical system, and address a perceived need for greater defensive quality and build-up play.
