Matteo Moretto, a Tier 1 transfer journalist, has broken major updates regarding AC Milan's defensive rebuild. The Rossoneri are now on the verge of securing a deal for Lazio centre-back Mario Gila, capitalizing on Napoli's failure to finalize the transfer. Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly disappointed with his new club after missing out on his primary target.

The 25-year-old Spanish centre-back has emerged as one of Serie A's most reliable defenders during his time with Lazio. His strong positioning and recovery speed made him a coveted target for multiple Italian clubs this summer. Milan's sudden hijack of the deal represents a massive statement of intent under their new sporting project.

Milan had a slow start to the summer window while resolving their managerial situation. The board spent weeks searching for a permanent replacement before appointing Ruben Amorim to lead the club. Now, the directors are working at high speed to make up for lost time before pre-season begins.

Ruben Amorim Lands to Kickstart Rebuilt Milanello

Ruben Amorim is scheduled to land in Italy on Monday, having signed his contract in Ibiza back in mid-June. As Gazzetta dello Sport reported, the Portuguese tactician will immediately visit Casa Milan to outline the final details of the transfer market. On Tuesday, he will travel to Milanello to inspect the training facilities.

Despite working remotely during his vacation, the former Sporting manager has been heavily involved in all transfer market operations. He has held phone conversations with current squad members, staff targets, and new signings. His direct communication with targets has already yielded results.

Amorim's influence was key in convincing Milan to sign Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos for a record-breaking fee of around €70m. The striker's arrival addresses the club's desperate need for a clinical goalscorer to lead the line. The manager is now replicating this hands-on approach to secure his primary defensive target.

The Financial Anatomy of the Mario Gila Deal

Milan are close to resolving the minimal distance between their offer and Lazio's demands. The Rossoneri have proposed a transfer fee of €22m plus bonuses, while the Biancocelesti are holding out for a total of €25m plus bonuses. Alejandro Camaño, the player's agent, is actively negotiating to bridge the remaining gap on Monday.

Personal terms between Milan and Gila have already been agreed, showcasing the club's financial commitment. The Spaniard is set to sign a contract worth €5m net per year at San Siro. Additionally, his agent is expected to pocket a commission fee of €5m to finalize the transaction.

If Milan agree to Lazio's €25m valuation, their total summer spending will reach the €100m mark after just two signings. This represents a significant shift from the club's previous cautious approach to the market under prior management. The board is backing Amorim's demands with substantial financial resources.

Napoli had previously agreed personal terms with Gila. However, as reported on Fabrizio Romano's channel, the Partenopei needed to finalize sales first, creating an opening for Milan to swoop. Now, Allegri is disappointed.

Milan's negotiations with Camaño could also unlock other defensive prospects for the future. The Rossoneri are monitoring young Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepeñas, who made his senior debut last December. Although former sporting director Igli Tare has left the club, Milan could explore this option later in the window.

Midfield Clearout and Fofana's Price Tag

As Milan bolster their defense, they are also preparing for significant outgoings in the squad. Midfielder Youssouf Fofana is expected to leave the club this summer after failing to deliver consistent performances. The French midfielder has two years remaining on his contract after joining from Monaco in 2024.

Milan's management met with Youssouf Fofana's entourage earlier this week to discuss his future. According to Matteo Moretto's transfer report, the French midfielder is on the market. His price is set at €20-25m.

“They tell me that Fofana’s price tag is around €20-25m, so in short, Milan are ready to listen to offers for Fofana, but clearly the price must be right. We will see if there are any clubs interested in picking him up,” Moretto reported in his update.

Ismael Bennacer is also preparing for a potential exit after changing his agent to navigate a move. The Algerian midfielder has seen a significant drop in his performance levels, making him an expensive backup. His contract represents a heavy burden on the balance sheet, costing Milan €8-9m in gross salary and amortization.

Milan previously cut their losses by loaning Bennacer to Dinamo. The Croatian club covered forty percent of his gross salary. A permanent sale is next.

This summer clearout highlights the questionable decisions made by the recruitment team in previous windows. Overpaying for underperforming players like Divock Origi left the club with massive deadwood on high wages. The current board is trying to pivot away from these mistakes by running a leaner operation.

Amorim's Next Request and Squad Planning

Securing Gila is just the start. Amorim remains highly interested in Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio, a player he knows intimately from his time in Portugal. However, the defender's price tag is currently prohibitive, with Sporting demanding over €40m to sanction a sale.

Amorim is expected to implement his signature 3-4-2-1 formation once training begins. This system requires center-backs who are comfortable defending in wide areas and initiating play from the back. While Gila fits the profile, some pundits wonder if his aggressive style might lead to discipline issues in a high line.

The clock is ticking for the new coaching staff to implement these tactical changes. Milan's pre-season raduno is scheduled for July 13, leaving Amorim very little time to work with a complete squad. The directors must finalize the Gila deal quickly to ensure the defender is integrated before training starts.

Probability Assessment and Expected Impact

We assess the probability of Gila joining Milan as extremely high. The 'here we go' chance stands at eighty percent. The only remaining hurdle is the final agreement on the bonus structure with Lazio.

The transfer is expected to be finalized on Monday or Tuesday, coinciding with Amorim's first official days at Milanello. The player's agent is scheduled to meet with Lazio president Claudio Lotito to close the small fee discrepancy. A medical could be scheduled in Milan by the end of the week.

Gila's arrival will immediately upgrade a Milan defense that leaked goals under the previous regime. His physical presence and speed will allow Amorim to play the aggressive, pressing style that won him titles in Portugal. However, the massive financial investment leaves the club with less flexibility to address their thin midfield options.

Missing out on Gila is a bitter blow for Allegri, who wanted the Spaniard to anchor his new Napoli project. Milan's swift hijack shows they are willing to spend aggressively to back their new manager. If Gila hits the ground running, the Rossoneri will have solved their biggest vulnerability ahead of the new campaign.