AC Milan are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Portuguese centre-back Antonio Silva from Benfica, according to reports in Italy. The Rossoneri have reportedly submitted an offer of €20 million plus bonuses, potentially rising to €25 million, which Benfica are now considering.
The move for Silva, 22, comes after Milan secured the signing of Gonçalo Ramos, with both transfers facilitated by agent Jorge Mendes. Milan owner Gerry Cardinale reportedly pushed for an acceleration in the transfer market during a recent visit to Milan, focusing on bolstering the defensive options alongside securing the forward.
Silva was previously identified as a target by Benfica manager Ruben Amorim, alongside teammate Gonçalo Inácio. However, Milan opted for Silva, who surprisingly was left out of Portugal’s squad for the recent World Cup. His current contract with Benfica runs until 2027, but the club now appear more open to a sale than in previous windows.
Personal terms have already been agreed with Silva, with a proposed five-year contract and a salary of just under €3 million per season. Standing at 187cm tall, Silva is seen as an ideal central defender in a back three, potentially lining up alongside Fikayo Tomori and Matteo Gabbia, with Jan De Winter also providing cover.
Mendes’ influence at Milan extends beyond Silva and Ramos, with several other players represented by his agency, Gestifute, potentially becoming targets. Milan may need to generate funds through player sales, including Fodé Ballo-Touré, Tomori, and possibly Rafael Leão, to finance further acquisitions, such as Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand or Salzburg’s Alajbegovic. Francisco Trincão and Nicolo Zaniolo have also been linked with moves to the San Siro, with Mendes reportedly playing a role in both potential transfers.
This signing would address a key area of need for Milan ahead of the new Serie A season, providing competition and depth in the centre-back position.
