AC Milan is still searching for its footing under Ruben Amorim. Pre-season has sent mixed signals: after a 1-1 draw against Inter, the Rossoneri suffered a heavy defeat against Chelsea (3-0), without registering a single shot on target. A performance that serves as a reminder that the new-look Milan is far from fully in place.
Gonçalo Ramos, the new number 9 settles in
The signing of Gonçalo Ramos is one of the key elements of this rebuilding process. Having arrived from Paris Saint-Germain on a contract until 2031, the Portuguese striker joined his new teammates in Perth at the end of July, a few days after the squad had resumed training. He was welcomed directly by Amorim upon his arrival in Australia.
The number 9 made his first minutes count by coming on in the second half against Inter and must now find his rhythm within his manager's system. His arrival has been viewed positively within the club: Luka Modrić notably highlighted the Portuguese forward's qualities and suggested he could bring a great deal to the club.
The Leão saga: departure no longer a certainty
The case of Rafael Leão remains the most delicate issue of this early season. Long tipped to leave — the player himself had acknowledged having discussed with the club the possibility of a new experience elsewhere — the Portuguese winger ultimately joined the squad in Australia, where he received a warm welcome from his teammates and the coaching staff.
The latest indications have shifted: his staying at Milan is now considered a genuine possibility. Interest nonetheless persists from Turkey, with Galatasaray pushing hard in particular, but the Milanese club is demanding a significant fee. The market could still determine his future.
On the pitch, Leão had a difficult evening against Chelsea. Milan never managed to establish any real attacking threat, and the Portuguese winger was well contained by the London side's defence. The match above all highlighted the gaps that still exist in the Rossoneri's attacking play.
A transfer window still open in defence and midfield
Ruben Amorim acknowledged after the defeat against Chelsea that the two weeks of pre-season had been positive, but that the squad remained too large and that decisions would be made regarding several players. He does not describe his group as a team in crisis, but rather as a squad that still needs to be structured.
With that in mind, the transfer window remains active on several fronts:
- Gonçalo Inácio is being assessed as a possible defensive reinforcement. The Portuguese defender is well regarded by Amorim, who knows him well, and fits the new manager's philosophy — though his arrival has not been presented as imminent.
- Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, currently at Marseille, is a lead being explored in midfield. Mentioned by Gianluca Di Marzio, this option is driven by the Dane's experience and profile — pushed towards the exit at Marseille and whose work rate appeals to Amorim.
Amorim's Milan is therefore not yet a team in crisis, but a team in the making. Gonçalo Ramos must find his place, Leão could ultimately stay, while defence and midfield continue to be worked on in the market. The defeat against Chelsea is a warning — not yet a verdict.
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