AC Milan are edging closer to the final days of the 2026 summer transfer window with a surprising internal solution on the horizon. Instead of splashing cash on another centre‑back, head coach Ruben Amorim appears ready to hand a new role to 22‑year‑old Davide Bartesaghi, the club's promising left‑wing‑back who impressed under Massimiliano Allegri last season.
Why Milan Might Skip a New Defender
The Rossoneri have already invested heavily this summer, breaking their transfer record to bring Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint‑Germain and adding wing‑back Diego Moreira and centre‑back Mario Gila to the squad. Despite those arrivals, reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that the priority remains an attacking option, not another defender. The club already boasts a crowded back‑line: Gila, Italy international Matteo Gabbia, Serbian youngster Strahinja Pavlović, Dutch‑born Koni De Winter and recent recruit Sankhoun Diawara are all competing for three starting spots.
Squad Overhaul and Outgoing Players
Amorim has signalled a clear intent to reshape the first‑team roster. Christopher Nkunku, Santiago Giménez, Youssouf Fofana and Fikayo Tomori have been told they are not in his plans for the upcoming season, and Milan are actively seeking buyers for the quartet. Rafael Leão’s future also hangs in the balance, with no definitive decision announced as September approaches.
Bartesaghi’s Evolution
Last season Bartesaghi broke through as a left wing‑back, delivering several solid performances that caught the eye of the coaching staff. La Gazzetta notes that Amorim now envisions him as a versatile option capable of slotting into the left side of a back three. This tactical flexibility would give Milan a seventh defensive alternative without the need for an external signing.
Potential External Targets
While Milan have shown interest in Sporting CP centre‑back Gonçalo Inácio, the market is crowded. Barcelona and multiple Saudi Pro League clubs are also circling the Portuguese defender, making a swift acquisition unlikely. Even if Tomori departs, the existing pool of defenders appears sufficient for Amorim’s plans.
Implications for the Transfer Strategy
By promoting Bartesaghi, Milan can redirect funds toward a high‑impact attacker, a move that aligns with the club’s stated priority. It also reduces the risk of over‑loading the defensive line, a mistake that has plagued several top clubs in recent seasons.
Looking Ahead
The final week of the window will reveal whether Milan stick to this internal solution or still chase an external centre‑back. For now, the narrative points to a pragmatic approach: trust homegrown talent, tighten the attack, and keep the balance of the squad intact.
Milan should trust Bartesaghi’s versatility and avoid a rushed centre‑back purchase. The club’s resources are better spent on a proven striker who can deliver goals immediately.
Deploying Bartesaghi at left‑back gives Amorim a tactical alternative without extra spending, while freeing budget for an attacking signing. It also signals a shift toward promoting youth over market splurges.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Yes, coach Ruben Amorim sees Bartesaghi as capable of playing on the left side of a back three, offering a new defensive option.
Milan have Mario Gila, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlović, Koni De Winter and newcomer Sankhoun Diawara competing for three starting spots.
The club’s main focus is adding a new attacking player, while considering internal solutions for defensive depth.