West Ham United striker could be heading to Serie A giants | OneFootball

Milan Step Up Fullkrug Pursuit as West Ham Talks Take Shape

AC Milan’s search for a centre-forward is beginning to crystallise ahead of the January transfer window, with Niclas Fullkrug emerging as a serious and increasingly concrete option. Senior figures inside the Milan hierarchy are now actively exploring the conditions of a potential deal, with contacts established both with West Ham United and the player’s representatives as momentum builds.

The 32-year-old Germany international has been under close observation for some time according to Calciomercarto, but recent developments suggest Milan are now prepared to move from monitoring to action. The need is clear, the profile is defined, and the timing is becoming critical as Milan look to stabilise an attack that has struggled for balance and continuity this season.

Milan Search Intensifies for January Striker

Milan’s January priority is unambiguous: secure a reliable central striker capable of leading the line immediately. Recent domestic performances have underlined the issue. Goals have arrived sporadically and often from unexpected sources, leaving too much responsibility on wide forwards and attacking midfielders.

Injuries and limited depth have exacerbated the problem, prompting Milan’s recruitment team to accelerate discussions around attainable targets. Fullkrug’s name has climbed steadily up the internal shortlist, driven by both sporting logic and market opportunity. His availability, combined with his experience at the highest level, makes him a compelling short-term solution for a club seeking instant impact rather than long-term development.

Fullkrug Profile Fits Milan Criteria

From Milan’s perspective, Fullkrug represents a blend of physical presence, tactical intelligence and elite-level experience. The former Borussia Dortmund forward has operated successfully in both Bundesliga and international football, offering a reference point in the box and an ability to occupy central defenders.

Contacts between Milan and Fullkrug’s agency are not new. Initial discussions took place as far back as last summer, laying groundwork that is now proving useful. Those earlier exchanges have helped Milan build a clear picture of the player’s expectations, contractual situation and willingness to consider a change of environment.

At West Ham, circumstances have shifted. Fullkrug remains under contract until 2028, but his role has been limited. Technical decisions, combined with a muscular issue that disrupted his rhythm in late autumn, have restricted his involvement. With minutes scarce and competition high, January is viewed internally as a realistic exit point should the right proposal arrive.

Tare Pushes to Secure Early Agreement

Sporting director Igli Tare is keen to move decisively. The objective is not necessarily to finalise every detail immediately, but to position Milan strongly by reaching a verbal understanding with the player and his camp. That would allow the club to manage negotiations with West Ham from a position of clarity rather than urgency.

Discussions are expected to continue on multiple fronts in the coming weeks. Milan are weighing up financial parameters carefully, aware that flexibility may exist given West Ham’s openness to reshaping their squad mid-season. For Milan, the emphasis is on securing a functional, cost-effective striker who can contribute straight away without destabilising the broader wage structure.

West Ham Future Remains Uncertain

Fullkrug’s time in England has yet to fully ignite. He has made nine appearances across all competitions, eight of them in the Premier League, totalling just over 400 minutes without registering a goal. While injuries and tactical preferences have played their part, there is a growing sense that his profile does not sit at the heart of West Ham’s long-term project.

That uncertainty has opened the door for Milan. The Rossoneri believe January could present a rare alignment of need, availability and affordability. Much will depend on the structure of any potential deal, but the intent is clear: Milan want to be ready to move quickly if conditions align.

With January approaching, Fullkrug’s situation is one to watch closely. Milan are accelerating, West Ham are listening, and a transfer that once felt speculative is now edging towards something far more tangible.