AC Milan are looking to add at least one centre-back to the squad this summer, and Mario Gila is reportedly the stand-out name.
If we rewind the tape about a year, after 30 Serie A games Milan were sat in ninth with 47 points and 35 goals conceded. They had one of the worst defences in the top half of the table, and it was part of the reason they would eventually finish eighth (with 43 goals conceded in 38).
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
Today, after the same number of matches, the Rossoneri are second with 16 more points and 11 fewer goals conceded. This reflects the extraordinary work done by Massimiliano Allegri, who has managed to make the defence as balanced and compact as it has been for some time.
Time for an upgrade?
As MilanNews write, If we look at the squad, the personnel in the rearguard is practically the same as last year. Milan did make one change though: they lost Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United for a big fee, and replaced him with Koni De Winter. After a shaky start, he has become a rock.
The individual who has improved the most is undoubtedly Strahinja Pavlovic, who has added tactical discipline to his attacking prowess. Matteo Gabbia has proven to be a solid guarantee again (despite being out injured currently), while Fikayo Tomori has got back into the England squad.
Despite the strong performance of this defensive unit, with all due respect to all the players involved, it will be necessary to bolster the department with a significant name this summer. Having five genuine options for three (or even two) spots is necessary, especially with a return to Europe.
Allegri wants a name ready to contribute now without time needed to adapt, like Adrien Rabiot was. The hottest and most popular name seems to be Mario Gila, who Igli Tare knows well and whose contract expires in 2027.
He knows Serie A having spent multiple seasons in Italy, and his display against Milan at the Olimpico earlier in the month show the level he can play at. At 25 years of age he falls in line with the kind of investment RedBird Capital like to make, because his best years are ahead of him too.
Would be huge 🤙