The attack has once again become a big problem for AC Milan, and at present nobody is a certainty around which to build.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, Massimiliano Allegri built Milan on a solid defence and effective counter-attacking play. From this, one of the obvious problems – and certainly not a new one – is the attack itself.
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It is a department that has been without peace due to injuries, condition issues and form inconsistencies. Looking at the five forwards in the squad, there is no name that will 100% be here next season, either.
Five names, five doubts
Niclas Füllkrug arrived in the winter window and his winning goal against Lecce was hoped to be the start of a profitable half-season. Two months later, he has made 13 appearances, only one of which was as a starter, with only one goal.
He’s widely admired for his fighting spirit, but the numbers certainly aren’t on his side. He arrived on loan from West Ham with an option to buy for around €5m. At the moment, it’s more of a no than a yes in terms of staying.
Santiago Gimenez’s season meanwhile has been a horror movie. First came the enormous difficulties in front of goal, then the long lay-off caused by inflammation in his right ankle, which forced him to undergo surgery in mid-December.
Now the Mexican has returned to training with the team and awaits his first call-up from Allegri after four and a half months spent watching. The goal is to finish the season well, giving Milan an extra edge and a springboard for himself towards the World Cup on home soil. However, the club will listen to offers.
Rafael Leao seemed like one of the key pillars from which to build next season, when – barring a collapse – Milan will return to the Champions League. However, the match against Lazio has upended the narrative and the scenarios because the Portuguese’s attitude was not well received by the club.
The fact that Allegri seems intent on sticking with the 3-5-2 formation next year doesn’t help Leao. A summer departure isn’t considered likely at this point, but it’s not a remote chance. Obviously, given Milan’s financial situation, they are likely to ask for €80m or more.
Christopher Nkunku’s numbers clash with the heavy label of being the most expensive signing of the summer transfer window. The Frenchman had a very positive period between December and January, then he returned to lacklustre form, and Allegri has given him much less playing time.
The same applies as it does to Gimenez: he’s far from unsellable for the club, even if the likelihood of him staying seems higher than his departure at the moment. A lot will depend on the offers that come in.
Finally, Christian Pulisic’s situation has been a strange one. He was the top scorer at the turn of the year but hasn’t netted in 2026, all amid the backdrop of a contract renewal that’s struggling to take off. Discussions have been ongoing for several months, and at one point it seemed like a deal was close.
Then everything stalled. Pulisic’s contract expires in 2027, so it’s a matter that needs to be addressed and somehow resolved by the start of the summer, ideally before the World Cup. He has had some physical issues, the consequences of which are still being felt. Allegri hopes he finds his shooting boots again.
Sälj Leao då spelsystem inte rymmer honom. Prova Nkunku och Santi.
Everyone was happy with these 1-0 wins in which there was very little offense. Now, when another team scores first, or it’s a lower level team playing for a 0-0 tie or 0-1 counterattack win the problems with the offense are exposed. Also, Pulisic’s goals were when he was playing off of a #9. There’s no one in the middle to relieve pressure off of either Leao or Pulisic. Just play the 4-3-3 (I am dreaming, I know) keeping one wingback back on defense depending on which side you’re attacking from and keeping one CM a little further back to sweep up long balls.
Everyone wasn’t happy with the 1-0 wins though. We knew Allegri’s luck would run out at some point with his stubborn approach to every match as they’d be playing against Barcelona.
just play 4-2-3-1 and we have the players on the right spot and leao back! damn…
Milan don’t need an “Overhaul” – I hate sensationalist headlines. Milan need to address a position which they have been NEGLECTING for YEARS!!!! We need a 9 worth a d*mn so these attacking pieces can all fall into place and finally click…
Agree
it’s def a mess but the requirement is clear. Do what ever it takes (sell 2 or 3 of these 5) to get the proper 9 a club like Milan deserve. We need a Rabiot level player as the 9. Someone that can be at this club for AT LEAST 3 years as a starter no oldies. They need to be 25-30 years old and ready to go right from the start.