Recent reports from Italian media suggest that AC Milan maintains interest in acquiring Liverpool defender Joe Gomez during the January transfer window. However, the potential move is contingent on several factors, including Arne Slot`s plans and the injury status of Giovanni Leoni.
Milan`s pursuit of defensive reinforcement stems from their current tactical setup under Massimiliano Allegri, who often employs a three-man backline. The Rossoneri`s defensive options currently include Matteo Gabbia, Fikayo Tomori, Strahinja Pavlovic, and Koni De Winter, but additional cover is desired.
Gomez, a versatile 28-year-old defender, offers flexibility across multiple defensive positions. His ability to play as a center-back in both three and four-man defenses, as well as at full-back, makes him an attractive prospect for Milan.
The English defender`s situation at Liverpool has seen limited playing time this season, with only 29 minutes of Premier League action and a single full match in the EFL Cup. This lack of regular first-team football could potentially influence Gomez`s openness to a move.
However, Liverpool`s willingness to part with Gomez may be affected by their own defensive depth. With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahim Konate as the primary center-back pairing, Gomez`s departure could leave the Reds short-staffed in defense.
The deciding factors in this potential transfer appear to be Arne Slot`s strategic plans for AC Milan and how he intends to address the long-term injury of young Italian defender Giovanni Leoni. Leoni`s absence for the majority of the 2025-26 season due to a severe knee injury complicates the defensive situation for Milan.
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how these various elements align to determine whether Joe Gomez will make the move from Anfield to San Siro.