AC Milan are in advanced talks to sign Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, following their agreement to bring Gonçalo Ramos to the club for a reported €80 million. Milan owner Gerry Cardinale travelled to Lisbon over the weekend with the club’s new sporting directors, Almstadt and Gardiner, to discuss a deal for the 22-year-old Portuguese defender.
The move for Silva is being facilitated by agent Jorge Mendes, signalling a shift in Milan’s transfer strategy towards Portuguese players. This follows the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach, and a move away from previous targets including Ralf Rangnick and a potential German-led sporting structure. Mendes has a strong relationship with Amorim, having previously been involved in Nuno Mendes’ transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Milan have reportedly reached an agreement with Silva and are currently negotiating with Benfica over a transfer fee. Their initial offer is believed to be around €20 million plus bonuses, but Benfica are seeking a higher sum. The Portuguese club are nearing the signing of Clement Lenglet from Atletico Madrid as a replacement for Silva, potentially accelerating the deal.
Alongside Silva, Milan are also monitoring other Portuguese talents, including Gonçalo Inácio of Sporting Lisbon, Francisco Trincão, and Pedro Gonçalves. The club is also considering options outside of Portugal, with Marc Casadó of Barcelona also proposed. Several players are expected to depart Milan, including Fofana, Loftus-Cheek, and potentially Rafael Leão, to fund further acquisitions. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly advising Cardinale on potential signings, having identified Bosnian talent Kerim Alajbegovic as a promising prospect.
