Milan target defensive reinforcements with Inácio top of the list

LEIRIA, PORTUGAL - JUNE 10: Goncalo Inacio of Portugal during the International Friendly match between Portugal and Nigeria at Estadio Dr Magalhaes Pessoa on June 10, 2026 in Leiria, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Milan are preparing to strengthen their defence when the transfer window opens in January, and Sporting CP captain Gonçalo Inácio remains their first choice.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Rossoneri see a new centre-back as a priority with less than two months until the market reopens. Inácio is still top of the list, but a deal will be difficult because of Sporting’s high valuation. Milan will try anyway, hoping the Portuguese club can be persuaded to negotiate.

Milan’s January defensive targets

The 25-year-old knows Ruben Amorim well, having played under the Milan coach for several seasons at Sporting. He reportedly has a €60m release clause, although Portuguese outlet A Bola suggest a fee of €40-45m could be enough to sign him.

Inácio isn’t the only name on the list. Milan are also considering investing in younger players, and they are big admirers of Borussia Dortmund’s Luca Reggiani. The 2008-born Italian left Sassuolo’s academy for Germany at 16 and made his Bundesliga and Champions League debuts last season.

Union Saint-Gilloise’s Massiré Sylla is another option. The 21-year-old Senegalese defender joined the Belgian club from Norwegian side Lyn in January, after being named Young Player of the Year in Norway’s second tier.