Milan’s transfer market is in constant flux, despite the seven signings already made in this summer window. On the departures front, the absences of Reijnders and Theo Hernandez weigh heavily (with Okafor and Musah also reportedly set to leave). Beyond that, the pitch has already delivered its first early verdicts: Milan can play in a more compact way while remaining effective in attack, though perhaps something is still missing. Yes, up front the Rossoneri may soon push for another center-forward.
Tare and Hojlund: between confirmations and carefully planned negotiations
It was none other than Igli Tare, Milan’s sporting director, who spoke before the Coppa Italia win against Bari:
“Hojlund? A good option for us. We’re evaluating him these days, but the transfer market is unpredictable. We know we need to strengthen in that position, and we also know we need players who can offer something extra to this group.”
These confirmations inevitably open the door to an intriguing scenario for Milan’s attacking department. In this 3-5-2, which can become more offensive by shifting into a 4-3-3, the No. 9 role has so far been filled by Rafa Leao (who scored, then suffered a calf injury), later replaced by Gimenez (solid, but not yet at peak condition). How would this team change with Hojlund? Simple: Milan would have a more “true striker” in the mold of Gimenez, someone who could alternate or rotate with the Mexican. Pulisic, Okafor, and even Leao remain versatile attackers, better suited as second forwards or false nines. Hojlund would represent that little bit extra.
And what about Vlahovic?
The Serbian remains an option, though as of now it looks more difficult than the Hojlund deal (who is increasingly at odds with Manchester United). Juventus’s current striker has traits and qualities similar to the Dane and to Gimenez, with one difference: his motivations. His hunger for redemption is enormous. Dusan is coming off two tough seasons in Turin. Under Allegri, during his first year at Juve, he did fairly well with goals and assists, but then came a drop-off. His difficult relationship with Motta and his introverted rapport with Tudor have not helped. So, would Vlahovic be useful to Milan?
What’s intriguing is the rotation of names that has emerged in recent hours, with even Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea being mentioned, though realistically that option seems very unlikely given the costs involved. And so Milan continue to weigh up Hojlund and study the possibility of Vlahovic, but time is running short: does Allegri really need another striker?
