After sorting out the attack, AC Milan are now turning their attention decisively to defence. According to reports from those at La Gazzetta dello Sport, over the past few hours the Rossoneri club have made significant progress towards Antonio Silva, a centre-back born in 2003 who plays for SL Benfica and is regarded as one of the most promising profiles to strengthen the back line, as well as a priority target for Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese defender’s name had already been circulating for several days, but his candidacy gained momentum especially after the developments linked to the arrival of Gonçalo Ramos.
The Antonio Silva operation confirms an increasingly clear trend in Milan’s transfer market strategy: a strong Portuguese influence and the central role of Jorge Mendes. After bringing Gonçalo Ramos to the Rossoneri, the powerful Portuguese agent is said to have been in contact with Benfica to advance this negotiation.
Milan appreciate the defender for several reasons: age, potential for development, technical quality, and contractual situation. Silva has an agreement with Benfica running until June 2027, a detail that could reduce the Portuguese club’s financial demands compared to the high valuations made in the past. Meanwhile, the Portuguese club had also attempted to work on a renewal, but without reaching a solution that satisfied all parties involved.
Why AC Milan like Antonio Silva's profile
Antonio Silva is a modern centre-back: physically strong, tactically aware, and, above all, comfortable on the ball when building from the back, a characteristic that Ruben Amorim looks for in his defenders, as pointed out via Milan News. That said, the 2003-born player is not the classic defender who simply wins duels and clears the ball; he is someone capable of contributing to build-up play, a valuable trait especially considering that Amorim’s new Milan side will be (or rather will try to be) a team that aims to control possession and dictate the game. At 22, Silva already has experience at a demanding club like Benfica and represents a profile that fits perfectly with the idea of a young, international, and sustainable Milan. After Gonçalo Ramos, the Rossoneri could once again be speaking Portuguese.
