Milan likely to target another defender after Matteo Gabbia’s return

An update on the plans of the powers that be at Milan to add fresh blood to the club’s defensive ranks has been provided on Monday, with Matteo Gabbia to return from his loan stint.

The subject of reinforcements at the back has of course long taken its place front and centre in the headlines on the red half of the Milan divide.

This comes amid an injury crisis in Stefano Pioli’s squad, which has seen all of Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu, Malick Thiaw and Marco Pellegrino ruled out long-term.

The widespread assumption, in turn, is that the Rossoneri will imminently dip into the market, in a bid to bring in emergency cover at the back.

Their first steps towards as much were confirmed earlier today, upon Matteo Gabbia’s loan stint with Villarreal being cut short.

Milan, it would appear, are not done there, though.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who has this evening assured that the Diavolo ‘will look for one more centre back after recalling Gabbia’.

Amid links with a whole host of stoppers from across the continent, it now remains to be seen who Pioli and co. ultimately decide upon as the right man to bring in, to aid the club’s pursuit of a Serie A top-4 finish.

🔴⚫️🛬 Matteo Gabbia leaves Villarreal and he’s set to re-join AC Milan, arriving in Milano later tonight with formal docs to be signed on Tuesday.

Milan will look for one more centre back after recalling Gabbia.

Villarreal have approved the move as Eric Bailly joined the club. pic.twitter.com/nGYBQUZeKp

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 1, 2024

Conor Laird | GIFN