AC Milan are nearing the acquisition of Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, according to reports from Italy. Milan owner Gerry Cardinale travelled to Lisbon on Saturday with the club’s new sporting directors, Almstadt and Gardiner, to discuss a deal with Benfica officials, and separate talks are believed to have taken place with agent Jorge Mendes.
Silva, 22, has already reportedly agreed personal terms with Milan. The Rossoneri have submitted an initial bid of approximately €20 million plus bonuses, but Benfica are holding out for a higher fee. Negotiations are ongoing, with today potentially being decisive, especially as Benfica are on the verge of confirming Lenglet from Atletico Madrid as Silva’s replacement.
The pursuit of Silva follows Milan’s agreement to sign Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for a total of €80 million. This signals a clear shift in Milan’s transfer strategy towards Portuguese players, influenced by the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach. Mendes, a prominent agent in European football, has been instrumental in facilitating these deals, having been contacted by Cardinale after previous approaches for other managers and sporting directors fell through.
Silva has emerged as a key player for Benfica, showcasing his defensive capabilities in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He has become a regular starter for the Lisbon club, and his arrival at Milan would significantly bolster their backline. The potential signing of Silva is part of a broader overhaul of the Milan squad, with several players, including Fofana, Loftus-Cheek, and potentially Rafael Leão, being considered for departures. The club is also monitoring other targets, including Morten Hjulmand and Luka Modric, as Amorim looks to reshape the team in his image. The completion of the Silva deal would further solidify Milan’s commitment to a Portuguese-influenced rebuild.
