GdS: The ‘dream’ and two alternatives – Milan draw up three-man centre-back wish list

By: Oliver Fisher

AC Milan are in the market for a new central defender ahead of the winter window, and three names are on the list.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below), Gerry Cardinale wants to give Ruben Amorim at least two signings in January. One of them will be a centre-forward – with Nicolo Tresoldi the ambitious idea at the moment – while the other will be a defender.

With Matteo Gabbia sidelined until well into January and Fikayo Tomori currently injured, Amorim has been juggling an emergency in recent weeks. It was a situation further compounded by an issue that arose for Strahinja Pavlović last week.

Fortunately for Amorim, he has found a capable alternative in the youngster Sankhoun Diawara. Looking ahead, however, the club is considering an addition that could immediately boost the level of the department.

A summer target was Gonçalo Inácio whom Amorim knows well, having coached him for years at Sporting CP. Dialogue with the Lisbon club has continued even during the current period when the transfer window is closed, following the failure to reach an agreement before.

Milan could renew their pursuit soon, though there is currently no consensus regarding his asking price. Furthermore, Inácio is left-footed and has primarily played as an outside centre-back throughout his career.

What the Rossoneri need right now is more of a right-footed player capable of rotating between a wide centre-back role and a central position. While it is true that Gonçalo adapted to the right side under Amorim, there are other candidates who are a more natural fit for that role.

For instance, Ismaelo Ganiou of RC Lens has been on the radar for some time. His contract renewal in August does not necessarily rule out a transfer, although there has been no further contact with the French club since initial discussions in the summer.

Among the new names, 21-year-old Massiré Sylla of Union Saint-Gilloise is an intriguing prospect. The Belgian club have also moved quickly to secure their young star with a new contract until 2031. That said, it is not a major obstacle, and the price is around €15m.