We also need to make up for the central defender! Milan is interested in the Fox City Gate, and will create a three-center defender combination in all-intention

After officially signing Genoa defender Derwinter, AC Milan has not stopped the central defender's subsidy plan. They will introduce another central defender to support Allegri's three central defender system. The most popular target at present is Oakley from Leicester City. If the transaction is completed, the Ross and Blacks will be expected to form a purely intentional defense line with Gabiya, Derwinter and Oakley as the team. In the preseason of the 25/26 season, Allegri gave up his usual 4-3-3 formation and used three-back positions for many consecutive games. The team rotated between 5-3-2 and 5-4-1. This change had a good effect. Not only did it increase the defensive investment in the middle, but it also activated Salemacles, who was good at playing wingbacks.

Allegri's regular candidates for three central defenders in the preseason are Jaf, Tomori and Pavlovic. After Jaf transferred to Newcastle United, Gabiya's pick has improved. Ajiong also tried Kubis of the youth team, and his performance left a deep impression (own + red card).

In order to fill the vacancy after Jaf left the team, the management quickly introduced Dwente from Genoa. Currently, Milan has four central defenders, namely Tomori, Gabiya, Pavlovic and Dwente. Although the team is fighting on a single front in the new season, it is only barely enough for the three central defenders system. Once someone is injured, it will be difficult to rotate.

Therefore, Milan intends to sign another central defender, preferably an Italian local player. The two who had the most rumors before were Leoni of Parma and Comozzo of Florence. But Leoni, 18, has chosen to join Liverpool, while Komuzo, 20, is regarded as a non-sale product by Purple Lily. The valuation of both of them is above 40 million euros, which is a bit unaffordable for Milan, who still needs to sign a center.

Based on various situations, Milan finally targeted Oakley in Leicester City. The 24-year-old Italian comes from the Atlanta youth training camp and has also played for Italian teams such as Cremonese and Frosinone on loan. In the summer window of 2024, he joined Leicester City with a base of 14 million euros plus a bonus of 2.5 million euros.

Oakley made 19 appearances in the Premier League in the 24/25 season, including 12 starts, and scored a header against Brighton. He signed with Leicester City in the summer of 2029, but with the relegation of Fox City, Oakley wants to leave the team early and he hopes to return to the Serie A arena.

Auckley's German turnover price is 10 million euros, and Leicester City's estimated price is about 20 million euros, considering the cost of introduction. According to reporter Skira, the Italians have reached personal terms with Miran, with the contract period until 2030, with an annual salary of about 1.8 million to 2 million euros after tax. Tare will officially start negotiations with Leicester City in a week. What is more advantageous is that Oakley and Richie, who just joined Milan, belong to the same agency.

If Milan can successfully sign Oakley, there will be three Italian players in the centre-back position, the other two are Gabiya and Derwinter. Although Derwent is a Belgian, he comes from Juventus youth training and has never left the Serie A arena, so he can occupy the Italian local youth training quota in the league. These three Yida players are expected to get the opportunity to start at the same time in the new season.

If Milan fails to introduce Oakley, there are two foreign players as alternatives. One is Jim Siti of Atlanta. The 32-year-old Albanian has played for the real Blue and Black for 7 seasons and has always been the team's regular starter. The other is the Eindhoven player Flamingo, recommended by technical director Moncada. The 22-year-old Dutch has played for one and a half years in the Sassuolo youth team, and the Germans have made a 20 million euro.