Napoli’s €25 million bid for Tiago Gabriel draws AC Milan

Napoli have moved to target Portuguese centre‑back Tiago Gabriel, with the Sticchi Damiani family reportedly asking about €25 million for the Lecce defender, as AC Milan also circles the 22‑year‑old following a right‑knee injury to centre‑back Alessandro Buongiorno that left a defensive void.

The injury arrived at a time when Napoli’s transfer agenda was aimed at other positions, forcing the club to prioritize a young Serie A defender as a contingency. Buongiorno, a former Torino centre‑back, suffered a right‑knee injury that left a defensive void. According to Calciomercato.com, he will miss Napoli’s Dimaro training camp while undergoing a medical assessment to decide whether surgery is required.

Giovanni Manna, following instructions from head coach Massimiliano Allegri, singled out Tiago Gabriel as a primary target. The Portuguese defender impressed while helping Lecce secure survival last season, and his agent Jorge Mendes has already spoken with Milan about the move. The Sticchi Damiani family are understood to be seeking around €25 million for the transfer.

Milan’s interest creates a direct tussle, as their scouts tracked Gabriel repeatedly last season. Juventus and Inter also entered the race earlier this month, indicating a competitive market for the young defender.

Napoli are also weighing alternative options, hoping Sam Beukema will become more assured in his second season. They are assessing Federico Gatti, available as Juventus look to trim their squad, and Udinese’s highly rated Oumar Solet, a name that has appeared on Inter and Juventus shortlists.

The final direction of Napoli’s summer strategy hinges on Buongiorno’s medical outcome; if surgery is required, the recovery period could delay his return and push Napoli to act swiftly on Gabriel or another centre‑back. For AC Milan, securing Gabriel would not only address their own defensive needs but also deny a rival a key reinforcement.