The incoming transfer market is financed through sales, but Santiago Gimenez might be the exception to the rule.
The funds that could have enriched Milan's coffers vanished in the second minute of Milan - Girona, the moment of Emerson Royal's injury: the Brazilian, sidelined for three months, is set to stay.
The same goes for Strahinja Pavlovic, for whom Fenerbahce was prepared to make a big offer. Not all voices within the club agreed on the sale, resulting in the Serbian starting in the Champions League and fighting for more playing time. His tough character might help: Conceição will appreciate it.
Coach and executives stayed behind at San Siro for a couple of hours after the last match ended. The last time the dressing room lights stayed on late was at the end of the year when Fonseca's dismissal was decided.

Two nights ago, however, it was a lengthy transfer summit. The summary: Milan needs a center forward, and that forward is still Santiago Gimenez.
All the more so after his brace against Bayern Munich. While Milan struggled to edge past Girona thanks to yet another moment of brilliance from Rafa Leao, Feyenoord cruised past the Germans 3-0, with the first two goals scored by the 29-year-old Mexican.
Gimenez’s season tally has now reached 15 goals in 18 matches. Counting minutes played (1,186), he averages a goal every 79 minutes. At 23, he is a recognized striker, admired across Europe, and perfect for Milan. This is why the club hasn’t abandoned this pursuit, even after losing out on the revenue from two sales. On the contrary, they are pushing forward. That said, the goal remains distant. Returning to his brace the other night, Milan was enchanted—but from a Dutch perspective, why would Feyenoord let their key striker leave in January? Perhaps because €30 million is a figure worth considering.
This is the amount Milan was, and still is, willing to invest in goals for the future. Could there be a higher bid? Considering Feyenoord’s firm stance and Milan’s persistence, it’s a legitimate possibility. Direct qualification for the Champions League Round of 16, a goal the club hadn’t initially predicted, could add another €14 million in UEFA bonuses to the coffers. This is the unexpected treasure. CEO Furlani is working tirelessly.
Emerson Royal's long absence
The departure of either Okafor or Chukwueze and Jovic’s exit to ease the wage bill will still generate less income than the failed sales of Emerson and Pavlovic. The Brazilian underwent tests yesterday to determine the extent of his injury: a high-grade strain of the right calf. The club hasn’t indicated a recovery timeline, but such an injury typically requires two to three months of rest. There will be a financial void but not one on the flank, where new signing Walker is ready to step in. A full-back who won everything with City and possesses the quality to deliver excellent crosses. Another reason to acquire a penalty-area striker who can capitalize on them. Morata might not be overshadowed: he’s currently struggling to find the net. With a top striker nearby, Alvaro could take on an offensive playmaker role, which he covered successfully in recent weeks.
Gimenez is an international transfer market target, not just for Milan.
He’s also being discussed in France, where Marseille is interested but behind Milan in the race—and decisively behind in the player’s preferences. Santiago, beyond the Champions League stage, wants a national league more prestigious than the Dutch one. San Siro, for instance. The Feyenoord crest sewn on his jersey and pointed to several times after Wednesday's goals was a gesture of gratitude but feels somewhat constraining. Gimenez arrived in the Netherlands directly from Cruz Azul, Mexico, in 2022, where Europe first discovered him. Now, however, he wants to leave for a new adventure. A social media hint: the player recently started following Milan on Instagram. Moving to Milan would be a career evolution. During his time at Cruz Azul (2019-2022), Santiago scored 21 goals in 105 matches. With Feyenoord, he has netted 64 goals in 104 appearances. Completing the picture are his four goals in 32 appearances for Mexico. These numbers would be invaluable to Milan’s current attack. Against Girona, the latest example of how much they need a physical striker was evident: Rafa’s goal was a modest return, considering the high number of chances.
Milan on the offensive?
A new striker is needed, regardless of Gimenez. The Mexican, born in Buenos Aires, is the main candidate but not the only one under consideration: the casting is open. Time, however, is short: there are ten days left until the transfer window closes. The clock is ticking as the opportunity to unveil a new number 9 in the derby, which precedes the market deadline by a day, looms large. The last great Rossoneri striker, Giroud, debuted against Inter: he owes his fame and immense fan affection to the Scudetto-winning brace he scored against the Nerazzurri.
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport in today's edition.
