“Clearly want to monitor closely” – Moretto offers another name for Milan’s defender shortlist

AC Milan need a central defender in January. Before Matteo Gabbia’s injury, it was essential; now it could be decisive for their hopes this season.

Failing to sign a defender in the January mercato would be a failure from Milan. They made a last-ditch effort in the summer to sign Goncalo Inacio, but Sporting didn’t have the time to sign a replacement, so the deal fell apart. However, this shouldn’t be an issue in a few months.

There has been knowledge – internally and externally – that another defender was a must heading into the winter and the unfortunate injury to Gabbia has only heightened the need for at least one addition. Yet, some would argue that two signings in the backline may even be required.

A new name in the mix

According to Matteo Moretto this evening, via MilanNews, the Rossoneri are not only focusing on Inacio (and Leny Yoro), with another young candidate from France on the shortlist.

“There’s a central defender that Milan clearly wants to monitor closely between now and January… But they’re already monitoring him; they’ve already gone to see him on the pitch, and they’ve already inquired about the price and costs of a potential deal – there’s no negotiation between the parties.

“We’re talking about Raphael Le Guen, 20, from Brest. His contract expires in 2029; he is a right-footed French defender. Le Guen is a name Milan is following and is on their list, along with Gonçalo Inacio from Sporting Lisbon.

“Amorim likes Inacio a lot, but his cost is also different. Le Guen has a lower cost; he’s highly regarded by the Rossoneri club from a technical and tactical standpoint. We’ll see if this name is the right one between now and January, a name Milan is closely monitoring.

“There’s no real open negotiation between the parties yet. We’ll see if that can happen in the coming weeks.”