**Despite one road closing, AC Milan could actually make a move for one of several other defenders on their shortlist. In other words, there is no panic.**
Signing a new defender is a difficult one for Milan. With Niclas Fullkrug, they have gotten a low-cost option for a few months, with the potential to sign him in the summer if the period goes well. However, it seems he is very much a stopgap signing.
In defence, whether that same luxury is available, is another question.
Questions and names
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This morning, Tuttosport reported that the road to Federico Gatti had closed, [**despite a swap deal offer**](https://sempremilan.com/allegri-pushing-%E2%80%A6ntus-reject-swap) being made. Whilst he was Massimiliano Allegri’s preferred signing, he is not the only name on the list.
So, as [MilanNews](https://www.milannews.it/primo-piano/gatti-la-prima-scelta-di-allegri-per-la-difesa-ma-le-alternative-non-mancano-603009) relays, there are plenty of other options. The strongest links so far are towards Diego Coppola, Caleb Okoli and Tiago Gabriel. However, a move for Gabriel may be difficult with Lecce’s refusal to make a deal this month.
Of course, there are others, such as Mario Gila, Morato and Milenkovic – the Nottingham Forest duo, Joe Gomez, Milan Skriniar and Kim Min-Jae. However, moves for these options may be more difficult from a financial perspective.
January is a long month, and opportunities can arise, so a move for someone on either list cannot be ruled out just yet. That would also be the case with Gatti. It is a waiting game, and patience may be rewarded.
AC