CM: Milan looking for a centre-back to compete with Gabbia – the names considered

AC Milan will not only sign one centre-back this summer, and so they are looking for other names as well as their number one target.

Calciomercato.com write that Massimiliano Allegri remains faithful to his philosophy that a great team starts from a strong defence. While the attack is struggling and a new striker will arrive, the general goal is to raise the average level of the squad with quality signings.

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Gila plus another

The Rossoneri have been working on Mario Gila for months, with initial contact dating back to December, and now there’s scope to close the deal. A preliminary agreement has been reached with the player, based on a four-year contract worth €3m net per year rising upwards.

An agreement with Lazio is now needed and Giorgio Furlani is personally negotiating with Claudio Lotito. The official offer will arrive after the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday 13 May, but even if Gila arrives he won’t be the only one.

Allegri and Igli Tare’s plans include Gila competing for Tomori’s place, while Koni De Winter will be Pavlovic’s alternative next season. A quality replacement for Matteo Gabbia is lacking, and the search for him on the international market is focusing on this aspect.

An interesting opportunity is Nathan Aké, whom Tare himself attempted to sign on loan from Manchester City during the winter transfer window and who can now bid farewell to the Premier League on favourable terms. His agents have offered him again.

Tare’s shortlist includes two other interesting names: Udinese’s Thomas Kristensen and Chelsea’s Benoît Badiashile. Both are strong in the air, well built physically and relatively young. Around €15m could be enough for the Danish defender but they don’t want to sell, whereas Chelsea are open to negotiating.