Milan in no rush for Benfica defender Antonio Silva as Portuguese giants push renewal | OneFootball

Milan’s pursuit of Antonio Silva has yet to gather pace, with a meeting between super-agent Jorge Mendes and Benfica failing to yield the green light the Rossoneri were hoping for.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, it was not a definitive rejection, but Benfica are still trying to convince the defender to sign a new contract, with an accompanying pay rise, and remain unwilling to sanction a sale, particularly at the €20 million figure floated by his representatives to grease the deal.

Ruben Amorim appointed Milan head coach (Source: acmilan.com)

Milan & Amorim in no hurry over Benfica defender Silva

Antonio Silva is tied to Benfica until 30 June 2027 and was presented with a renewal offer back in mid-May.

The centre-back, though, is keen to weigh up his options this summer, and the prospect of joining Milan, coached by his compatriot Ruben Amorim, holds clear appeal.

President Rui Costa and sporting director Mario Branco have reiterated their refusal to negotiate at a discount, while new boss Marco Silva has made clear he is counting on the 2003-born defender staying.

It may be posturing. With just one year left on his deal, Benfica face an awkward choice: tie Silva down, perhaps with the promise of a future move, or risk losing him for nothing further down the line.

That dynamic is why Milan feel little urgency, though the player himself would prefer clarity sooner rather than later.