AC Milan have reached an agreement on personal terms with Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, according to reports in Italy. The breakthrough comes just days after the Rossoneri shattered their transfer record to secure striker Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain.
Italian outlets claim the 22-year-old Portugal international is ready to commit to a five-year contract running until 2031. Discussions between the clubs are now active, though Benfica are reportedly demanding around €20 million for the defender.
Competition for Silva’s signature
Milan’s progress with the player does not guarantee a deal. Silva is also attracting interest from an unnamed Saudi Pro League club and two Premier League sides, giving Benfica leverage in negotiations.
The centre-back is the latest client of super-agent Jorge Mendes on Milan’s radar, following the club-record €74 million capture of Ramos from PSG. That fee, paid for a striker who failed to start a single Champions League match for the French side this season, signals a dramatic shift in the Rossoneri’s transfer strategy under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Amorim targets Portuguese connection
The recruitment drive extends beyond defence. Milan are also pursuing Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who previously played under Amorim in Lisbon. The Denmark international could provide tactical familiarity as Amorim implements his methods at San Siro.
Barcelona’s Marc Casado represents another priority. The La Masia graduate has made 75 competitive appearances for the Catalan club over the past four seasons and, like Silva and Ramos, is represented by Mendes.
Lisbon summit
The ambitious strategy follows a lengthy meeting in Lisbon involving owner Gerry Cardinale, Amorim, director of player training Hendrik Almstadt and head of football intelligence Bobby Gardiner. The group reportedly spent over four hours outlining transfer targets.
With personal terms agreed, Milan must now negotiate with Benfica to secure Silva. The Portuguese champions are unlikely to welcome approaches from a direct domestic rival easily, particularly with external interest driving up the price.