Eight days from the end of the transfer market, Milan is clear in its mind that the time has come to accelerate for Santiago Gimenez. The situation regarding the Mexican striker, who holds an Italian passport, will not turn into a tug-of-war until the final day of the market because, if that were to happen, the Rossoneri risk not having enough time to secure an alternative reinforcement (on loan) for the forward line. Contacts between Milan and Rotterdam will be intensified starting today: Ibrahimovic, Furlani, and Moncada will do everything possible to convince Feyenoord's management to let go of their striker with a discount on the initial 40 million euros asking price.
After rejecting the first offer slightly below €30 million, the Rossoneri club management is inclined to raise its bid to 33–34 million euros, including bonuses tied to the player's performance and team victories. It’s hard to imagine Milan meeting Feyenoord's full demands, as Gimenez, despite being highly regarded, still needs to be tested in a major European league like Serie A. At the moment, Feyenoord has not agreed to the inclusion of technical counterparts in the deal and has reiterated its intention not to part with the striker during the winter transfer window. They are willing to grant his wish to join a big club, but only in the summer. This approach mirrors their stance on Hancko, a defensive target for Juventus.
Gimenez, however, already had to forgo a move to Milan in August and fears that another rejection could mean a third opportunity may not come. This is why his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, and his father, Christian, will emphasize the player’s desire to leave now.
Milan's hopes and the reality
The mission for Milan's management will not be easy, as club president Scaroni highlighted to DAZN: "The January market is always difficult, and I’m not sure we’ll manage to get the forward reinforcement you’re talking about (Gimenez). We’ll see; we are certainly very focused on building a strong Milan."
Coach Conceição openly supports the arrival of the Mexican and is expecting reinforcements beyond Walker, as he didn’t shy away from expressing: "After the defeat against Juventus," the Portuguese coach said, "I mentioned that we needed something more, and I stand by that. I hope we can bring someone in, but if not, we’ll go to battle with those we have until the end."
The priority is a striker, with Gimenez topping the list, while loans for João Félix or one of United’s forwards (Højlund or Zirkzee) are considered alternatives. However, evaluations are being made across all departments.
Kyle Walker and the midfield
The former City defender will debut on Sunday in the derby, following his official presentation to the press this afternoon. In training at Milanello, he has shown he’s in shape (he trained yesterday morning and will do so again today), and it cannot be ruled out that he could start against Inter. However, attention is also on midfield movements: Milan is considering an additional piece while ensuring no one is excluded from the UEFA list. The focus is on players who spent 36 months (from ages 15 to 21) in an Italian youth academy, though finding such profiles is no easy task.
Milan and potential exits?
Okafor, who is no longer part of the plans, needs to be moved to make room on the list for a new attacking acquisition. Chukwueze has attracted interest, but his goal yesterday may carry weight unless an offer for a permanent transfer is made. Jovic is set to join Monza, which will pay a minimal portion of his wages. Milan holds an option to extend his contract until 2025–26 but does not intend to exercise it.
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
