After Gonçalo Ramos, Milan have no intention of stopping, not least because their aim is to give Ruben Amorim a competitive squad from the very first day of pre-season training, scheduled for Monday 13 July. Having resolved the striker issue, albeit with a significant (and record-breaking) financial outlay, the Rossoneri are now reportedly working to fulfil the Portuguese coach's other request: a central defender around whom they can build the new backbone of the team. Several names have been mentioned in recent days, but it now appears that Antonio Silva of Benfica has emerged as the preferred choice.
Today could be decisive for Milan-Antonio Silva deal:
Today could already prove decisive in determining Antonio Silva's future. According to 'La Gazzetta dello Sport', influential agent Jorge Mendes is expected to meet Benfica's hierarchy in the coming hours to inform them of his client's wishes: he wants to leave and embark on a new chapter in his career. Missing out on selection for the Club World Cup and the difficulties he experienced last season have led the 2003-born defender to reassess his future with Benfica, to the extent that he has rejected every contract renewal offer despite his current deal running until June 2027. This can only work in Milan's favour, with the club ready to take advantage of Jorge Mendes' involvement, just as they did in the Gonçalo Ramos deal, to deliver Ruben Amorim his new centre-back.
Until a few summers ago, Benfica demanded an extremely high fee for Antonio Silva (Juventus know that better than most) but this summer they can no longer afford to do so because of the defender's contractual situation. Rather than risk losing him on a free transfer, Benfica are prepared to accept less than half of what they previously demanded, with Milan ready to seize the opportunity. The transfer fee is therefore expected to be around €20 million, while the player is reportedly asking for a salary of €3 million per season, double what he currently earns in Portugal.
