AC Milan eye both West Ham and Manchester United attackers for January | OneFootball

Milan Striker Search Highlights United and West Ham Dilemmas

AC Milan’s January planning, as outlined by Gazzetto Dello Sport, paints a picture of a club seeking clarity rather than glamour. The Rossoneri know what they want, a striker who offers presence, physicality, and reliability in decisive moments. Whether Santiago Gimenez remains part of that picture feels secondary to a wider rethink about balance and depth in attack.

As the report states, “Milan needs a ‘different’ center forward,” a telling phrase that cuts through the noise of big names and market hype. The failed late summer discussions, including the abandoned swap involving Roma’s Artem Dovbyk, have only sharpened Milan’s focus. With January approaching, the club are ready to revisit the market with greater intent and fewer illusions.

Several names circulate, some more eye catching than others. Joshua Zirkzee, potentially surplus at Manchester United, sits alongside Mauro Icardi, whose path at Galatasaray has been blocked by Victor Osimhen. There are also more pragmatic options, including West Ham’s Niclas Fullkrug and Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino. Each carries a different risk profile, and Milan’s decision will reflect both budgetary restraint and tactical need.

Allegri vision shapes January priorities

The thinking from the Milan bench is clear. According to Gazzetto Dello Sport, Massimiliano Allegri envisages a forward line built around Christian Pulisic and Rafa Leao, especially given “the injuries, which have been quite frequent in this first half of the season.” The incoming striker is therefore viewed as impact support rather than a guaranteed starter.

The preference is for an old school profile, someone who can “make an impact, especially physically and in the penalty area, towards the end of matches.” That immediately narrows the field. Zirkzee stands out as the stylistic exception, described as “a genuine opportunity,” but only if the terms align with Milan’s cautious approach.

Those terms are currently a sticking point. “First and foremost, that he arrives on loan, with the promise of renegotiating the deal in the summer.” Manchester United, however, are reluctant to bend. As the report notes, “Manchester United, however, are currently sticking to their request to set a mandatory buyout (around €35 million) should the Rossoneri qualify for the Champions League.”

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United stance complicates Zirkzee talks

Timing further complicates matters. United face the Africa Cup of Nations absences of Mbeumo and Diallo, meaning they would only consider letting Zirkzee leave “at the end of January.” That delay creates uncertainty for Milan and Roma alike, with Gazzetto Dello Sport concluding that “Zirkzee is popular, but it won’t be easy to see him in the Rossoneri.”

There is also history at play. United’s hard line approach in the summer, particularly during negotiations involving Hojlund, has not been forgotten in Milan. Trust, as much as money, is part of this equation.

Fullkrug route offers simpler solution

By contrast, the Fullkrug option appears refreshingly straightforward. The German striker “perfectly fits the profile outlined by AC Milan’s technical department,” offering power, experience, and international pedigree at a manageable cost. His West Ham spell has been underwhelming, with “just three goals in 29 competitive matches” since his €27 million move in 2024.

West Ham’s stance is pragmatic. The London club would sanction a loan move “without haggling over clauses and fine print.” Competition is limited, with Wolfsburg mentioned, making Milan an attractive destination. Crucially, Fullkrug’s mindset suits the role. He “would accept the bench without hesitation,” and has proven with Germany that he can deliver in short bursts.

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Further down the list sit Pellegrino and Icardi. Pellegrino’s talent is acknowledged, but “at least €30 million” is viewed as excessive for January. Icardi excites some supporters, yet concerns remain around wages and fitness.

For Milan, this is about choosing reliability over romance.

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For Manchester United fans, Zirkee being discussed as a loan option elsewhere so soon after arrival raises questions about recruitment coherence. Fans would understand United holding firm on a mandatory buyout, especially one “around €35 million,” as the club look to protect asset value after recent financial missteps. Yet there is also concern about timing. Losing attacking depth late in January, particularly with AFCON absences, feels risky, even if Zirkzee has not fully convinced.

West Ham fans, meanwhile, would see Fullkrug’s situation with a sense of resignation rather than anger. Three goals in 29 matches is not the return hoped for, and the idea of a loan exit without complications feels sensible. Supporters might argue that the move never quite suited either party. Fullkrug’s strengths have not aligned with West Ham’s tempo or structure, and a spell at Milan could suit him far better.

Both fanbases would agree on one thing. January decisions like these reveal more about long term planning than short term fixes. Whether United dig in or West Ham cut their losses, the consequences will linger well beyond this window.