One of the priorities Ruben Amorim immediately highlighted to AC Milan's management was the signing of a new centre-back. The Rossoneri quickly granted his request by completing the €30 million, bonuses included, transfer of Mario Gila from Lazio. Milan, however, have no intention of stopping there and could add another defender in the coming weeks, particularly if Fikayo Tomori departs. And after Gonçalo Ramos, another Portuguese player could soon be on his way to Milanello.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, one name that could return to the forefront is Antonio Silva, Benfica's 2003-born centre-back. Milan had already tried to sign him in recent weeks, but negotiations cooled after the Portuguese club stood firm, confident they could persuade him to extend his contract, which expires in a year's time. However, the defender has once again rejected Benfica's renewal proposal, and as a result, a move to Milan could now be back on the table.
Antonio Silva is highly regarded at Milan, especially by Amorim, who has admired him for some time. His agent, Jorge Mendes, who has already brokered the summer move of one of his clients, Gonçalo Ramos, to Milanello, is now working to bring the young defender to the Rossoneri as well. For the moment, though, Gerry Cardinale has yet to make a decisive move, perhaps aware that Silva's latest rejection of the contract extension offered by Benfica president Rui Costa is likely to drive his asking price down. Alongside Silva, Milan also remain interested in Gonçalo Inácio, although Sporting CP continue to value the Portuguese international very highly.
