The Sporting CP centre-back is the Rossoneri’s first choice as they look to add quality to their defensive options. However, the Portuguese club are demanding a high fee, making negotiations far from straightforward.
AC Milan are expected to explore whether there is room for a compromise, although they know that convincing Sporting to lower their valuation will not be easy. The Italian side remain interested and are prepared to try to open discussions when the market approaches.
Inácio is not the only name being considered. Milan are also looking at younger defenders as they assess possible investments for the future, with their recruitment strategy extending beyond an immediate first-team solution.
One option attracting attention is Luca Reggiani, the 2008-born defender currently at Borussia Dortmund. The teenager is among the profiles being monitored as Milan consider how to strengthen their defensive department while also adding players with long-term potential.
Another name on their list is Massiré Sylla, a 2005-born defender at Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium. His profile offers another possible route for the Rossoneri if the pursuit of their preferred target proves too expensive.
The three names reflect different approaches to the same objective. Inácio is the established priority, but the high asking price means Milan must consider alternatives rather than focus exclusively on the Sporting defender.
With the transfer window approaching, the club are expected to continue assessing the market and the financial conditions required for each operation. Their immediate need is to add quality at the back, but they are also conscious of the value of investing in emerging talent.
For now, Inácio remains at the top of Milan’s defensive shortlist. Whether the Rossoneri can find an agreement with Sporting, or turn instead towards Reggiani or Sylla, will depend on how the negotiations and their wider recruitment plans develop.