AC Milan Accelerates Centre-Back Pursuit After Gabbia Injury: Inacio and Yoro Emerge as Top Targets

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | AC Milan have been forced to accelerate their search for a new central defender following an injury to Matteo Gabbia, and the club now has two primary targets in mind: Goncalo Inacio and Leny Yoro. As reported by Corriere dello Sport, the situation has become urgent, with CorSport Gabbia s injury accelerates Milan s CB pursuit the two targets in mind highlighting the club’s need to act swiftly in the transfer market.

Milan entered the season with a clear lack of defensive cover, and Gabbia’s injury has only exacerbated the problem. The Rossoneri are now left with just three match-fit central defenders, plus Filippo Terracciano and Fikayo Tomori, who can also fill in. However, relying on inexperienced players like Valeri Vladimirov and Sankhoun Diawara is not seen as a viable option, though it may become a necessity if no reinforcements arrive.

The club’s pursuit of a new centre-back is not a new development. Milan were already aware of their defensive shortcomings, as evidenced by their late push for Goncalo Inacio during the summer transfer window. That move ultimately failed, and the issue remains unresolved. Now, with Gabbia sidelined, the need for a new defender has become even more pressing. CorSport Gabbia s injury accelerates Milan s CB pursuit the two targets in mind, and the club is expected to make another attempt for Inacio in January.

Inacio, the Sporting CP defender, has been a long-term target for Milan. His ability to play out from the back and his composure on the ball make him an ideal fit for the Rossoneri’s style of play. However, prising him away from Sporting mid-season will not be easy, as the Portuguese club is reluctant to lose a key player during a crucial part of the season. Milan may need to offer a significant fee to convince Sporting to part with the 22-year-old.

Alternatively, Milan could turn their attention to Leny Yoro, the highly-rated Lille defender. The 18-year-old has been on the radar of several top European clubs, and Milan are among his admirers. Yoro’s potential is immense, and he has already shown maturity beyond his years in Ligue 1. However, signing him would be a coup, as competition for his signature is fierce. CorSport Gabbia s injury accelerates Milan s CB pursuit the two targets in mind, and Yoro represents a more future-oriented option.

The urgency of the situation is further complicated by the fact that Milan’s defensive depth is already stretched thin. Davide Bartesaghi could also play in central defence, but that would create problems in other areas of the pitch. The club’s self-inflicted shortage of options has left them with little room for error, and the January transfer window represents their best opportunity to address the issue.

Milan’s management, including technical director Geoffrey Moncada and sporting director Antonio D’Ottavio, are understood to be working on potential deals. The club’s budget will be a determining factor, as they may need to sell players to fund a move for a top defender. The likes of Divock Origi and Fode Ballo-Toure could be offloaded to raise funds.

In conclusion, AC Milan’s defensive crisis has forced them to accelerate their pursuit of a new centre-back, with Goncalo Inacio and Leny Yoro emerging as the two primary targets. The injury to Matteo Gabbia has highlighted the lack of depth in defence, and the club must act quickly to avoid further problems. As CorSport Gabbia s injury accelerates Milan s CB pursuit the two targets in mind, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Milan can secure the reinforcements they desperately need. The Rossoneri’s season could hinge on their ability to bring in a quality defender in January.