AC Milan has clear ideas about the transfer market.
As told by La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition, the club needs a forward who can add quality and guarantee goals to the attacking department.
For the management , there are two alternative plans to achieve this goal. The first involves searching for a striker to sign on loan, a player who could be registered for six months, either with or without an option to buy.
In this regard, the name circled on the Rossoneri's list is Joao Felix. However, attention should also be paid to developments in Manchester, specifically at United. Not for Rashford (who is no longer considered) but for either Zirkzee or Hojlund. If another striker arrives at United, one of these two could leave. The option of Ferran Torres cannot be ruled out either, as he has been struggling for playing time at Barcelona and is reportedly unhappy professionally.
The second plan involves using funds from a player sale to purchase a striker outright. Who?
Just as they did last summer, Ibrahimovic, Furlani, and Moncada hold Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord in high regard. However, the Mexican, who holds an Italian passport, comes with a hefty price tag. His willingness to try an adventure in Serie A could weigh in Milan's favour, but negotiating with the Dutch club is challenging.
Joao Felix and Other Loan Options
Starting with the loan hypothesis, which is currently the most favoured option, Conceição has provided clear guidance by naming his compatriot Joao Felix as an ideal fit. Felix could function either as a second striker in a 4-4-2 formation or as an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 (where he could even cover the left flank if necessary). Jorge Mendes, the agent for both the coach and the Blues' forward, has been working on this deal for days. However, his task is complicated, as Chelsea is wary of repeating cases like Giroud, Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic, and Tomori, all of whom thrived after moving to Milan. They prefer a dry loan or one with a very high purchase option, especially since Felix was acquired for €52 million last summer.
Milan's alternatives to Joao Felix in the transfer market?
At Manchester United, either Zirkzee or Hojlund could become expendable, especially if Amorim's demands for a striker are met. Milan is closely monitoring United's incoming transfer activity and is ready to act. Both players are well-known at Casa Milan : the Dutchman was considered last summer before Milan shifted focus to Morata due to his agent's exorbitant commission demands, while the Dane was admired before a massive offer from Manchester landed him at Atalanta in 2023.
Finally, attention should be given to Barcelona, where Ferran Torres has been underutilised so far (20 appearances but fewer than 700 minutes played). His situation could take an unexpected turn in the final days of the transfer window.
Reinvesting Funds
Had Tomori accepted Juventus's offer, with €30 million arriving from Turin (via a loan with an obligation to buy), the funds would have been redirected toward signing a striker. This option remains relevant, not if Tomori reconsiders, he is deeply committed to Milan and, having regained his starting position, has no desire to leave in January, but if another Rossonero is sold.
In this context, Pavlovic's situation should be monitored. Although Milan invested €18 million in the 2001-born player last summer and is reluctant to sell him, the transfer market has its own rules. If Fenerbahçe (which increased its pursuit last week), a Premier League club, or a Bundesliga team were to offer over €20 million, Milan might make a sacrifice.
In that case, Milan would not only sign Walker but also add another central defender. The proceeds from Pavlovic’s potential departure could then be redirected toward Gimenez, the highly promising 2001-born striker. It’s a deal that would require careful construction but is feasible if financed by a player sale.
