If this season the objective is to return to the Champions League, next season Milan’s ambitions will be different, namely to try to fight until the very end for the Serie A title and also do well in Europe. Massimiliano Allegri has very clear ideas and has already made it known to his directors that the level of the squad needs to be raised with signings of personality and experience. A top centre-forward remains the absolute priority, but the Italian coach knows well that the defence also needs strengthening.
The hottest name for the back line is still Mario Gila, a Lazio centre-back whose contract expires in 2027. As reported this morning by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Allegri has already given his approval to this move, which has a strong advocate at the Rossoneri club, namely Igli Tare, who brought the Spanish player to Rome when he worked at Lazio. However, it will not be easy to land the Biancoceleste defender for two reasons: first of all, the strong competition, as Inter, Juventus and Napoli have also enquired about Gila.
Then it is well known that it is never easy to negotiate with Lazio president Claudio Lotito, who has no intention whatsoever of letting him go cheaply, even though his contract runs until 2027. Despite these two factors that make the deal complicated, Milan will make a concrete attempt for the Spaniard, whom the Rossoneri value at €20–25 million, bonuses included. It remains to be seen whether that will be enough.
Mario Gila is not the only defensive target for the Rossoneri, also because there will not be just one addition to the back line, but at least a couple, given that the very young David Odogu will be sent out on loan to gain playing time. Another profile very much liked at Casa Milan is Thomas Kristensen, a 2002-born player from Udinese and the Denmark Under-21 national team. The Udinese defender has different characteristics from Gila (more height, less pace), but Milan’s scouts are also closely monitoring him.
