Milan have made a centre-back their top priority for January, with Gonçalo Inácio and Kim Min-jae on Ruben Amorim’s shortlist.
According to Calciomercato.com, the need has become urgent after Matteo Gabbia suffered a tear to his left hamstring with partial tendon involvement. Milan’s medical staff have chosen rest and therapy over surgery, which should be quicker but offers fewer guarantees, and he is expected to be out for at least three months.
That leaves Amorim short of options at the back, and Gerry Cardinale’s staff now see a January signing as a necessity rather than a luxury.
Milan revive Inacio talks ahead of January
Milan have renewed contact with Inácio’s agents, hoping to revive a deal that collapsed on the final day of the summer window. The 25-year-old Sporting defender would welcome a reunion with Amorim, his former coach in Lisbon, but prising him away will not be easy. Milan know they will need to offer more than €40m, and even that may not be enough.
Kim is the other option. The former Napoli defender has made just three appearances for Bayern Munich this season and no longer seems to have the full backing of the coach or the club. Milan have sounded out his representatives and would move if he became available on favourable terms.