MILAN, Italy – AC Milan is actively pursuing defensive reinforcements for the upcoming January transfer window, with a focus on securing a new defender on a loan deal. While German striker Fullkrug remains a primary target, the club’s strategy also includes bolstering its backline with an experienced player.
Skriniar, Dier, and Gatti: Milan’s Defensive Search
Among the names being considered, Milan Skriniar, the 30-year-old captain of Fenerbahce and former Inter player, presents a challenging prospect. Having been with Fenerbahce for a year and established as a key player, a deal for Skriniar would likely be complex.
Another potential target is Eric Dier, the 1994-born defender who moved from Bayern to Monaco last summer. Dier has faced a couple of injuries, being sidelined for over a month with muscular problems. He recently returned to availability but remained on the bench during Monaco’s defeat in Marseille. Milan will need to assess Monaco’s willingness to let him go.
The Allegri-Gatti Connection
The possibility of signing Federico Gatti, 26, from Juventus is also being explored. Gatti, who played under Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus since 2022, shares a strong rapport with the current Milan coach. The duo notably won the Coppa Italia together in 2024.
Currently recovering from an injury, Gatti has made only four appearances for Juventus under Luciano Spalletti this season and is expected to be available again in early January. While Gatti is not currently considered to be on the transfer list, Milan could be ready to act if Juventus opens up to a potential sale and favorable conditions for a negotiation arise.
Transfer Market Overview
The pursuit of a new defender comes as Milan continues its efforts in the transfer market, with Fullkrug reportedly close to joining the Rossoneri. The club aims to identify the right profile to integrate into the squad for the second half of the season.
The January transfer window is often a period of strategic moves for clubs looking to address squad deficiencies or capitalize on emerging opportunities. Milan’s focus on a loan deal for a defender suggests a cautious yet proactive approach to strengthening the team without significant long-term financial commitments at this stage.
The club’s management and scouting teams are reportedly evaluating various options to ensure they secure a player who can immediately contribute to the team’s performance across all competitions. The emphasis on experience indicates a desire for a player who can seamlessly integrate into the existing defensive setup and provide leadership.
Further updates on Milan’s transfer activities are expected as the January window approaches and negotiations progress with potential targets and their respective clubs. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining which defensive reinforcement will ultimately join the Rossoneri ranks.
Source: https://sport.sky.it/calciomercato/2025/12/22/calciomercato-milan-difensore-come-stanno-le-cose
