AC Milan are beginning to look beyond the immediate problems affecting their squad.

According to Calciomercato, Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has emerged as one the their leading targets for AC Milan ahead of next summer.

The Rossoneri have been forced to manage a growing defensive crisis, with injuries leaving them short of options during a demanding campaign. While a centre-back remains a priority for the January window, Milan are also looking further ahead and have identified Yoro as a potential major addition for the 2027/28 season.

The Frenchman fits the profile of the young, high-value defender Milan want to build around, but securing his signature will require a significant investment. Yoro is reportedly valued at between €40 million and €50 million, a figure Milan would need to consider carefully as they plan their summer recruitment.

The Frenchman joined Manchester United as one of Europe’s most highly rated defensive prospects and remains a player with considerable long-term potential. His age, athleticism and experience at the highest level make him an attractive option for Milan as they look to strengthen a defence that has been hit by injuries and quality concerns, with Fikayo Tomori facing an uncertain future at San Siro.

The Italian club are also hopeful that Yoro’s agent, Jorge Mendes, could play an important role in facilitating the move. Mendes’s relationship with the player could potentially help Milan navigate what would otherwise be a complicated negotiation with Manchester United.

The Amorim factor

The possibility of a Ruben Amorim reunion could add an extra dimension to the transfer should circumstances align. The Portuguese tactician knows Yoro and could be an important influence if the defender’s future at Old Trafford becomes uncertain. For Milan, that relationship could make their pursuit even more appealing if they believe the Portuguese coach could help convince the youngster to consider a move.

Manchester United, however, would have little reason to surrender a player of Yoro’s potential cheaply. Milan would therefore need both the financial resources and the right sporting argument to turn their interest into a serious summer proposal.

Yoro could become Milan’s next defensive cornerstone

Milan’s interest makes considerable sense. Their immediate defensive problems may have triggered the search, but Yoro represents something more ambitious than a short-term solution.

At 20, he has the physical profile to handle Serie A while still possessing enormous room for improvement. That combination is exactly what Milan should be targeting if they want to build a defence capable of competing domestically and in Europe for years rather than simply patching holes.

The price tag is significant, but Milan should not be frightened by it if they genuinely believe Yoro can become an elite centre-back. The bigger issue is convincing Manchester United to sell a player they invested heavily in precisely because of his future potential.

If Amorim becomes directly involved in Yoro’s future, Milan could have an additional avenue into the negotiations. For now, this looks like a summer project rather than an imminent transfer. But with Milan already working on the move, the Frenchman could become one of the defining names in their next defensive rebuild.