AC Milan are dreaming big again after their victory in the derby against Inter, but turning the progress shown on the pitch into concrete ambitions will also require action in the transfer market. The team is improving, but the squad still needs a few additions to approach the second half of the season in the best possible way.
Milan, Gonçalo Inácio to strengthen the defence: a renewed interest ahead of January
One of the main targets identified for the winter transfer window concerns the defence. The name is Gonçalo Inácio, a centre-back from Sporting Lisbon whom Milan had already pursued last summer. This interest could become relevant again in January, when the Rossoneri management will have another opportunity to try to bring the Portuguese defender to Milan.
According to Carlos Passerini, a journalist for Corriere della Sera, the need to strengthen the defence was already evident before Matteo Gabbia's injury. The options available to Rúben Amorim were indeed rather limited, and the risk is that Milan could find themselves short of defenders as well, especially considering the closely spaced commitments in the league and Europa League.
Inácio's potential arrival would therefore represent an investment in the depth and quality of the department. Milan need to increase the alternatives available to the coach, avoiding a situation in which a single absence could affect the team's balance. The Sporting defender, who was already on the Rossoneri's radar during the summer transfer window, remains a profile to follow ahead of the reopening of negotiations.
Tresoldi is the dream for the attack: Camarda could leave on loan...
The other major issue concerns the attacking department. In this case, the name that particularly appeals to Milan is Nicolò Tresoldi, a Club Brugge striker and Rossoneri supporter. He is a profile that is particularly appreciated, to the point of representing the dream signing to strengthen the forward line as early as the winter transfer window.
However, the operation does not look straightforward. Bringing Tresoldi to Milan in January would be very difficult, mainly because of the role he could potentially have within the team. The striker, in fact, would not be willing to join the Rossoneri to occupy a position as a mere back-up. The prospect of being an alternative in the attacking pecking order could therefore represent a significant obstacle in the negotiations.
It is therefore not ruled out that discussions could be postponed until next summer, when Milan might once again seriously consider signing him. Tresoldi's name nevertheless remains on the table, in an attacking department where the management must also make decisions regarding Francesco Camarda's future. The young striker has played just 96 minutes in total between the league and Europa League. An extremely limited amount of playing time that could push the club to consider a loan move, allowing him to find greater consistency and resume a development path that has been interrupted for a couple of years now. A potential departure would open up space for the arrival of a new centre-forward, identified as a back-up to Gonçalo Ramos.
The Portuguese striker's performances are also an aspect to monitor: just two goals in ten matches, a tally that remains limited compared to the €74 million spent to sign him from PSG. Milan therefore need to increase their attacking options and find greater efficiency in front of goal.
Cardinale and Krösche: Milan are preparing for the future
The transfer market is not, however, the only aspect addressed by Passerini. The analysis also focuses on the Rossoneri's management structure, with particular attention to Gerry Cardinale and the appointment of German executive Markus Krösche as Head of Football, as pointed out via PianetaMilan today.
The club appears intent on strengthening its organisation, filling the gap left by the absence of a managerial figure capable of working alongside the coach and players on a daily basis. Such a presence is considered important, especially after the first hundred days, which were characterised by ups and downs.
In the meantime, Amorim will have to try to keep Milan competitive with the players currently at his disposal. Luka Modrić, Adrien Rabiot, Christian Pulisic and Mike Maignan are making important contributions, while Diego Moreira, who arrived from Strasbourg for €50 million, has already made his mark with his performance in the derby.
The message that emerges is clear: Milan are improving, but further additions will be needed to raise the level even more. Gonçalo Inácio, to provide greater solidity in defence, and Tresoldi, as a potential investment for the attack, are two names to keep an eye on. January could represent an important step for the Rossoneri's ambitions, although some targets, such as the Club Brugge striker, will probably have to wait until the summer.
