The marathon that is the transfer market hasn't even officially started, but AC Milan is already making preparations. The club's top priority for a forward signing is Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch striker, who has long been admired by the Rossoneri, is not only of interest to Milan. The former Bologna player, who is currently unhappy at Manchester United, is also the primary target of Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma. After failing to sign Evan Ferguson this summer, Roma urgently needs to bring in a forward in January, and the Irish player is destined to return to Brighton.
In contrast, Milan already has Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic, but this golden duo has barely played together since the start of the season (they have only started together once in 14 league games, with the rest of the time missed due to injuries). Meanwhile, the performances of Raúl Jiménez and Christopher Nkunku, at least in terms of goals, have been quite disappointing. Therefore, Milan's transfer team is exploring the possibility of signing another forward for Massimiliano Allegri. Even though it will be by no means easy, Zirkzee remains the top choice on the list. As a result, they have already made initial contact with super agent Mino Raiola a few weeks ago.
Clearly, signing the former Bologna player means one of the forwards in the Rossoneri's current squad will have to leave. The most likely candidate is Jiménez, who is still struggling with a left ankle injury and hasn't played since late October. The Mexican player trained alone at Milanello yesterday, and his injury has become increasingly mysterious. It is felt that his future at Milan is extremely difficult, and German clubs are closely monitoring his situation.
However, Zirkzee's situation at Manchester United is not much better. Thanks to Benjamin Šeško's injury, he has recently received some playing time, but in Manchester, after months of underwhelming performances, United is not opposed to selling him in January—after all, they spent €42.5 million to sign him two years ago. Of course, at least for now, United's conditions are very demanding: a loan is allowed, but a mandatory buyout of approximately €35 million will be triggered if the Rossoneri qualify for the Champions League. Milan prefers to only have an option to buy. But time issues have also complicated this transfer.
In fact, United will not approve Zirkzee's departure at the beginning of the year under any circumstances. With Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo set to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, the Red Devils' forward line will be too thin. Therefore, Zirkzee's departure will be delayed until the end of the transfer window, most likely in the last few days of January, regardless of where he ends up. Notably, due to the one-month wait, United's stance on the mandatory buyout clause may soften during this period. In fact, the name Zirkzee continues to attract Milan's interest. Because although he may not be the type of center-forward the team needs from a technical and tactical perspective, he is highly talented and already familiar with Serie A.
Regarding other forward options—basically, if Jiménez leaves, sporting director Geoffrey Moncada and his team certainly have more names on their list. From popular candidates like Mauro Icardi to more accessible options such as Niclas Füllkrug of West Ham United. Overall, if they fail to sign a player like Zirkzee, the type of target Milan is looking for will soon become clear: someone with penalty area presence, experienced, willing to join on loan, and not fixated on starting. Because in any case, in Allegri's plan, Leão and Pulisic are likely to remain the starting pair at the beginning of February. However, to dream of the Serie A title, a more reliable backup than the current options may be needed. Unless Nkunku can shine as he did during his time at RB Leipzig, or Jiménez stays at Milan and recaptures his best form from the Eredivisie.
