Milan eye Liverpool's Van Dijk as dream target but pivot to Lazio's Gila
Quick summary
AC Milan are interested in signing Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk but consider the move financially unfeasible, turning their attention to Lazio centre-back Gila as a more realistic option.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceMilan may harbour ambitions of signing Virgil van Dijk, but a move for the Liverpool captain is simply not realistic, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, via MilanNews24 , the transfer journalist moved to shut down the speculation linking the Netherlands defender with a switch to San Siro.
Romano explained that Van Dijk is an integral part of Liverpool’s plans and has already held talks with new head coach Andoni Iraola, effectively ruling out any departure in this summer’s window.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road on December 06, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Liverpool stand firm on captain Van Dijk as Iraola plans rebuild Van Dijk is considered a crucial figure at Anfield, Romano stressed, valued for the leadership and stability he brings to the side.
Liverpool have never entertained the idea of losing their skipper, a stance that has only hardened after the high-profile sales of the likes of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, which have already stripped experience from the squad.
The conclusion, per Romano, is a clear one: as things stand, Van Dijk will remain a Liverpool player, and Milan will need to turn their attention elsewhere to strengthen their defence.
That aligns with the wider picture we’ve built this shift, in which Milan have been pursuing more attainable defensive targets, Lazio’s Mario Gila chief among them, as Ruben Amorim, who arrived in the city on Monday, sets about reshaping his backline.
A player of Van Dijk’s stature was always more likely to be an aspiration, rather than a realistic option.
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What happened
AC Milan are reportedly dreaming of acquiring Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk to strengthen their defence, but the financial demands of a deal for the Dutch international are considered prohibitive. With Van Dijk out of reach, Milan have identified Lazio's Gila as a more attainable target. The Italian club are exploring defensive reinforcements as they plan for the upcoming transfer window. The pursuit of Gila represents a pragmatic fallback rather than a like-for-like replacement for Van Dijk's elite profile.
Chance analysis
This is a transfer narrative with two tiers: an aspirational link to a world-class defender (Van Dijk) and a realistic alternative (Gila). For prediction systems, this signals Milan's defensive recruitment intent but indicates they are unlikely to secure a transformative signing. The Van Dijk link is essentially noise given the feasibility doubts, while Gila represents the actionable intelligence should Milan proceed.
Milan's defensive line is likely to see a mid-tier reinforcement rather than a transformative addition, marginally improving their backline options.
Milan's defensive recruitment is active but budget-constrained; expect a moderate-level centre-back signing, not a marquee one.