Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

AC Milan have confirmed the signing of Gabriel Paletta from Parma, with the defender putting pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Rossoneri. According to Goal.com, the centre-back will cost around €1 million.

The Italian giants confirmed the news on their official Twitter account:

The Italy international joins Milan after five years with Parma, and manager Filippo Inzaghi will be looking to him to add some steel to what has been a ropey Rossoneri back line this season. At the moment, Milan are languishing down in ninth place in Serie A, having conceded 26 goals in just 21 games.

Here’s what the 28-year-old had to say upon completing the deal, per the Milan Channel (h/t Football Italia):

I’m happy, and I want to be available immediately. Yesterday I knew that I had to stay here. I’m happy, if a little sorry for my former [Parma] teammates.

I’m proud to wear this shirt, I hope I can repay the faith that has been shown in me. I want to help Milan fight for the positions this club deserves, at the top of the table. Everyone must do their part, and I’m coming to give my contribution.

BT Sport’s James Horncastle thinks that his addition is a welcome one for the club and that it could potentially spell the end for Philippe Mexes:

Bleacher Report’s Italian football expert Matteo Bonetti chose to focus on other issues aside from the player’s footballing ability:

At first glance, Paletta is exactly the kind of defender Milan need. His burly somatotype and uncompromising style of defending will give the Rossoneri a much needed presence in the heart of their defence; he’ll also be hoping to link up with fellow new signing Luca Antonelli, who should slot into the left-back role.

Inzaghi has been active in January as he looks to spark Milan into life.Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Names like Antonelli and Paletta may not do much to sate those Milan supporters who are longing for the glory days to return to the San Siro, but they’re players who can provide Inzaghi’s men with some underpinning defensive fortitude. Paletta, in particular, for the meagre aforementioned fee, could prove to be a real steal for Milan.