Bola.net – AC Milan is again faced with classic problems in the attack line this season. Goal productivity is not fully in line with the club’s ambition to continue competing at the top of Serie A.
Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic are the main focus. However, their togetherness on the field is often disrupted by successive injuries.
Behind these two stars, the contribution of the back-up attackers has not lived up to expectations. This situation has made the Rossoneri management open their options again in the January transfer market.
The name that is now emerging is not a foreign figure to the Italian public. Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United striker, is back on AC Milan’s radar.
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Manchester United’s Strict Conditions for Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee celebrates his goal with Bruno Fernandes (c) MUFC Official
The news of Milan’s interest in Zirkzee is not without obstacles. Manchester United is said to have no objection to releasing the striker, but with conditions that are not simple.
Zirkzee himself has not completely shone since moving to Old Trafford. He did get additional playing minutes due to the injury situation in the squad, but his performance was not commensurate with the transfer value of 42.5 million euros.
Gazzetta dello Sport said the English club had established a loan scheme with an obligation to buy as the main option. The purchase value is set at around 35 million euros, with the condition that Milan must qualify for the Champions League.
United also confirmed that they would not release Zirkzee before the end of January. The absence of Mbeumo and Amad Diallo due to the Africa Cup of Nations means that the striker’s departure will almost certainly be postponed until the final days of the window.
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Milan Alternative Option If Zirkzee Fails
On the other hand, AC Milan is aware that negotiations with United risk dragging on. Club management is starting to prepare a backup plan if Zirkzee’s transfer reaches a dead end.
The squad’s internal conditions also influenced this move. Santiago Gimenez has been struggling with a left ankle injury since the end of October, while his future at Milan is starting to be in doubt.
Several alternative names were also considered by sports director Igli Tare. Experienced figures such as Mauro Icardi to more affordable options such as West Ham’s Niclas Fullkrug are on the list.
Milan’s criteria are quite clear for the January market. They want an experienced striker, willing to come on loan, and ready to accept a rotation role behind Leao and Pulisic.
