AC Milan consider summer swoop for Florentino Luis | OneFootball

AC Milan have established contact with Benfica youngster Florentino Luis to address a shortage of bodies in the engine room, says Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Italians have approached the Portuguese starlet’s entourage to discuss the possibility of taking him to San Siro, with the Eagles reportedly seeking around €30 million to sanction a move.

Considering his contract at the Estadio da Luiz runs until 2027, Benfica are in no rush to sell.

They can insist on a hefty price tag if Milan accelerate their interest in their homegrown midfielder.

Florentino made 54 appearances in all competitions last season, including 33 in the Primeira Liga, helping Benfica win their first league title since 2018/19.

Despite failing to find the back of the net, his defensive skills and ability to distribute the ball from deep in the midfield made him one of Schmidt’s favourites in the centre of the park.

It’s still uncertain whether Milan’s interest is genuine or if they are wandering around searching for much-needed reinforcements after their transfer window started with a whimper rather than a bang.

Sandro Tonali’s mega-money switch to Newcastle United has left a gaping void in the Rossoneri midfield, causing unrest among the club supporters.

On top of the 23-year-old’s transfer to St James’ Park, Milan will likely be without Ismael Bennacer for a lengthy period of time after the Algeria international picked up an injury at the tail-end of last season.

Deprived of the services of both key midfield figures from 2022/23 and the title-winning campaign in 2021/22, Stefano Pioli is desperate to bring in at least two new midfielders.

Milan have reignited their interest in Lazio talisman Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who could prove an invaluable addition if they can convince Claudio Lotito to let his standout performer leave the Stadio Olimpico.

Florentino’s arrival alone won’t be enough to settle the nerves of the devastated fans after the club’s shock decision to sell Tonali, even though he was widely considered the future captain.