At least two signings are planned for January, in addition to a striker: a centre-back and a full-back.
Not just centre-forwards. Between injuries and the need to strengthen the squad, Gerry Cardinale intends to give Ruben Amorim at least two more signings in January, if not three, also considering further loan opportunities on the market (see Endrick of Real Madrid, although in recent weeks Roma have been moving more decisively for the Brazilian).
Defence
With Matteo Gabbia sidelined until January and Tomori currently injured, the Rossoneri coach has found himself facing a genuine emergency in defence, made even worse by the problem Pavlovic suffered last week. Fortunately, Amorim has found a suitable alternative in young Diawara.
For the future, however, the club are considering bringing in a player capable of immediately raising the competitiveness of the defence.
The summer dream was Gonçalo Inacio, whom the Portuguese coach knows well, having managed him for years at Sporting. Talks with the Lisbon club continued even during the final months of the transfer window, but no agreement was reached.
Milan could make another attempt soon, although at present there is no shared understanding regarding his valuation.
Inacio is also left-footed and has played mostly as a left-sided centre-back throughout his career. The Rossoneri, now as before, would have greater use for a right-footed player capable of alternating between right-back and centre-back.
It is true that Gonçalo has also adapted to playing on the right under Amorim, but there are other candidates more naturally suited to the role.
For example, Ismaëlo Ganiou, the Lens player born in 2005, who has been liked for some time. His contract renewal in August is not seen as an insurmountable obstacle to a transfer, although there have been no further discussions with the French club since the initial approaches in the summer, as pointed out via La Gazzetta dello Sport today.
Among the new names, Massiré Sylla is attracting interest. The 21-year-old Union Saint-Gilloise giant (196 centimetres tall) has also been offered a new contract by the Belgian club, extending his deal until 30 June 2031.
That is no small obstacle. However, if Milan wanted to pursue him, a deal could still be completed for €15 million.
Right Flank
The serious injuries to Chukwueze and Saelemaekers (who will not return until February) and the use of a back four have convinced the Rossoneri's transfer-market officials of the need for reinforcement on the right flank.
A wide player capable of operating both as a full-back and as a wing-back.
Does Milan already have a player with a similar profile out on loan? You are not wrong. In fact, Aldo Rossi's idea is to bring Zachary Athekame back to Milanello.
For the plan to succeed, however, Lyon's approval is needed. The Swiss player has made an excellent start to the season at the French club on a straight loan, impressing in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League.
The feeling is that, if Milan were to push for an agreement with the French club over Athekame's immediate return, a solution could still be found, but questions of form and relationships are also at stake.
Other appreciated profiles, although they would require considerable expenditure, include Dalot, the Portuguese Manchester United player born in 1999 who was already at Milan in 2020–21, and Givairo Read, the 20-year-old Feyenoord player who impressed at San Siro two years ago against Leão in the Champions League playoffs.
Opportunities
As mentioned, Milan will also be ready to take advantage of any opportunities that arise during January. Not only high-profile and complicated names such as Endrick, but also younger and lesser-known players.
Just think of last year, when the Rossoneri pulled Alphadjo Cissé out of the hat. He has now established himself as one of the most surprising revelations of the league.
The Rossoneri management has changed, but the scouting department has several interesting names on its list.
One of them is José Escorcia, the Colombian winger born in 2009 who plays for Nacional and who has also been offered to the club in recent days.
