In recent weeks, two names on AC Milan’s striker list have shifted further into favouritism, and the Rossoneri will target them above others this summer. However, with their prices rising, it may cause the club to act differently in the market.
There are no doubts that Milan will look for a striker in the upcoming summer mercato, and the list of candidates is likely shortening as the days pass. Nevertheless, two names lead that list and have done so for some time – Joshua Zirkzee and Benjamin Sesko.
The Dutchman has been incredible for Bologna this season and is finally delivering the quality that many expected of him in his youth days. Alternatively, Sesko, who has not been offered as much game time as he would have liked at RB Leipzig, and the Diavolo could offer him what he deserves.
There could be some stumbling blocks for both of the strikers, though, as CorSport (via MilanNews) has reported that although Zirkzee is the preferred candidate, and his price is rising continually, and he could cost more than Sesko’s release clause of €50 million.
Bologna could make this price lower if they ask for Alexis Saelemaekers permanently, but the figure would still take a large portion of Milan’s summer budget.
Additionally, the Rossoneri have continued their interest in Jonathan David and Serhou Guirassy. Both are cheaper options than their preferred options but remain viable targets after having impressive seasons.
Just pay the release clauses for Sesko & Zubimendi! That will be 110 million in total which is our budget if we sell the loan players and get the usual 50 million from management. Money well spent to complete our team and fight for the Champions League 👌
I don’t think 60 million for Zubimendi would be a smart investment … La Liga players don’t usually work well for Serie A especially midfield players. Leaving aside Chuk and Musah, even Lobotka took a few years before he found his feet with Spalleti … the list goes on Carlos Peres, Gonzalo Vilar, Sanabria… I can go on even to players like Mendieta
I think the issue is that La Liga has a lot of players like Diaz that are technically good and fast but not strong physically or tactically and need to be used in the right team/context to be able to get the best out of them.
Also Arsenal bid his release clause last year and he didn’t want to leave (my point is that if he leaves, he’ll get higher salaries in PL)
I think Zubimendi’s La Liga roots are exactly why he is the perfect fit for Milan. The team is set up to play in a way that requires one of those dynamic defensive midfielders who can do everything at both ends of the pitch. One who can control the game. Italy and Serie A don’t develop those types of players currently, but they are needed for Milan to play the way they want in Europe. For this reason, these midfielders are also insanely expensive and borderline impossible to come by right now. The only reason Zubimendi can even be considered by Milan is due to his release clause, so Milan shouldn’t pass on the opportunity and at least trying to sign him. Even if the Premier League is calling. Zubimendi has a higher footballing IQ than any other midfielder in Serie A so I think he will cope fine with the physicality. He is a big guy compared to Lobotka