Milan chase Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi as €25m price looms

Serie A giants AC Milan have bolstered their back line by signing Spaniard Mario Gila, yet the club still faces a defensive void with Fikayo Tomori slated for sale. To preserve Ruben Amorim’s vision of playing out from the back, Milan have turned their attention to Bologna’s Colombian centre‑back Jhon Lucumi, whose €25 million price tag now hangs over the deal.

Mario Gila’s arrival was hailed as a major defensive coup, adding a versatile Spaniard to Milan’s roster. The 23‑year‑old brings experience from his previous Serie A stint.

The Rossoneri are simultaneously working on offloading Fikayo Tomori, a move that creates a clear gap in the centre‑back department. Milan’s pursuit of a replacement underscores the urgency of reinforcing the back line.

La dello Sport reported that, with Tomori’s sale in progress, another defensive signing is likely to follow. The newspaper highlighted Milan’s intent to reshape their defence ahead of the new season.

Coach Ruben Amorim has stipulated that new defenders must be comfortable playing out from the back, a tactical demand that narrows the pool of suitable targets. Jhon Lucumi fits this profile perfectly, according to Milan’s scouting reports.

Lucumi, a Colombian international, has already been presented to the Rossoneri and has sparked genuine interest within the club. His physical presence and ball‑playing ability align with Milan’s evolving style.

His contract with Bologna runs until 2027, but a recent €28 million release clause has expired, leaving the club to set a new asking price. Bologna now demands €25 million for the centre‑back.

Milan will need to outbid Juventus, who have made a concrete attempt to acquire Lucumi, as well as English sides Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, who are also monitoring the situation. The competition intensifies the financial and strategic stakes for the Italian club.

If Milan can secure Lucumi’s signature, the club will complete a defensive overhaul that complements Gila’s signing and addresses the void left by Tomori’s departure. The final hurdle remains negotiating the €25 million fee with Bologna.