Milan focuses on a center-back after securing Gonçalo Ramos.

AC Milan turned the transfer market upside down by securing Gonçalo Ramos as their first signing of the summer, but the big surprise is the total absence of Mason Mount from the club’s plans, contrary to what several Italian media outlets had reported. With rumors circulating about a possible interest from the Rossoneri in the English midfielder from Manchester United, well-known transfer expert Matteo Moretto came forward to clarify, emphatically, that Mount is not on the list of targets and that the Milan club has very different priorities for this transfer window.

Milan is preparing to present Gonçalo Ramos as the marquee signing that kicks off the transfer market, after reaching an agreement with PSG last weekend. The arrival of the Portuguese forward has long been a desire and immediately places the rossoneri in a strong position to challenge for the Scudetto, but the management led by Gerry Cardinale has already defined the next step: securing a top central defender. Matteo Moretto, in a recent appearance on YouTube, stated unequivocally that the Milan structure is “110% focused” on signing a high-level center-back, dismissing any possibility of pursuing Mason Mount. “At this moment, Mount is not in Milan’s plans. All energy is being channeled into strengthening the central defense,” Moretto detailed, dismantling reports that had suggested the English international was a priority target.

This clarification is particularly relevant at a time when uncertainty regarding the future of several midfielders at Milan, namely players returning from loan, has fueled speculation about reinforcements in the midfield. However, Moretto made it clear that, before considering changes in midfield, the club wants to resolve departures and arrivals in the defensive line. “Only after we sign a central defender can we open the door to new midfielders, depending on the departures,” the expert explained, warning of the need to simplify the squad before moving on to other positions.

The hunt for a top-tier central defender has a specific name on AC Milan’s list of targets: António Silva, the young Portuguese international from Benfica, is one of the most sought-after players in the market and has already been identified as the top priority to strengthen the defensive line. Signing a player of this profile would be a significant move in the Italian market, further elevating the Rossoneri’s ambitions for the upcoming season.

The exclusion of Mount from Milan’s plans has direct implications for the European market. On one hand, it closes the door for the British midfielder, who remains a secondary figure at Manchester United and is looking to revive his career after a lackluster season at Old Trafford. On the other hand, it demonstrates Milan’s clear intention to build a balanced team, without succumbing to external pressures or the temptation of high-profile names solely for media attention. This may also force Mount to reconsider his options, as other English clubs or those from the German league may now come forward with offers.

The next step for Milan will be to intensify contacts with Benfica and other potential targets to strengthen the central defense, knowing that this is the key piece to consolidate a squad that already features the talent of Gonçalo Ramos up front. Only after securing this structural reinforcement will the management evaluate movements in midfield, always dependent on possible departures of players who do not fit into Paulo Fonseca’s plans.

With the market heating up in Italy and internal competition becoming increasingly fierce, AC Milan is taking a pragmatic approach: no rush, with well-defined priorities and without being distracted by unfounded rumors. For Mount, the future remains open, but at San Siro, the reconstruction of the rossonero dream currently moves away from his name.

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