Romelu Lukaku has ended up on the radar of AC Milan, who are looking for a striker to take over from Olivier Giroud. According to a report, the Rossoneri could be helped in their pursuit by a Belgian departure, coincidentally.
Today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below) has taken stock of the situation. Origi has returned from a disappointing loan spell at Nottingham Forrest, much like the 2022-23 season with Milan, and a permanent exit is now on the cards.
There is interest in Turkey and it’s now up to the player to decide, with Milan willing to let him go for a low price. In total, however, the Rossoneri would save over €10m amid the gross salary of €5.24m and this could help them on the mercato.
As the newspaper continues, Origi could ‘assist’ Milan in the pursuit of his compatriot Lukaku, with a bigger budget to make use of.
Timing key as Milan will act fast
Lukaku is currently at the Euros with Belgium and while the tournament has entered the knockout stage, this will inevitably affect the negotiations for Milan. Indeed, they would like to deliver the No.9 to Paulo Fonseca as quickly as possible and this could be difficult with Lukaku.
Not just because of the Euros, but also because Chelsea are against letting him go with a loan formula as things stand. Napoli have also expressed their interest in the player, with Antonio Conte pushing for the move, and this could make the negotiations lengthy.
The price tag has been set at €25-30m by Chelsea and it’s a figure that remains within reach, while other No.9 targets would be significantly more expensive. On the other hand, more expensive in this case would mean younger than Lukaku, who is 31 years old.
Salary could be an obstacle
In addition to the timing of the potential operation, it’s clear that the salary could be a problem for Milan. Lukaku earned €7.5m net at Roma this past season and this is higher than Rafael Leao’s salary, meaning it is simply too high for the Rossoneri.
It remains to be seen if Lukaku is willing to lower his wages, especially with Napoli in the race too (likely to offer more than Milan). Instead of the Belgian, as the newspaper adds, the Rossoneri could turn to Roma striker Tammy Abraham, who is liked by Fonseca.
Having said all of this, Milan are monitoring the situation and a decision should soon be made on the No.9 pursuit, at least whether to move forward on the Lukaku front or not.
Not Lakaka.
After he left Inter, every next season is with lower efficiency.
Ok but still he is a star player and great striker. In last 5 seasson he never has less then 12 goals + some assist. In last seasson with AS Roma he has 13 goals + 3 assist and in EL another 7g + 1a. Yes he has some problems with Inter, but it is not only his fault… still in this price around 25m and with his experience is one of the best what we can buy…
Instead of trying to find the young striker of the future that we’re waiting for at least three years now, they would waste tons of money on a declining player that nobody likes and that is having a disastrous Euro. I really hope it’s smokescreen but many outlets report that contacts were made already. Makes no sense, as usual.
I agree, but after Giroud , he can be good replacement. Yes Euro is really bad . But still if he go to Napoli , it will be Machine striker there again. And With our wings (Rafa and Puli) he can be great valuable striker…I know players like him want big money, but with Lukaku in attack and Rabiot in midfield we step up on next level . Just somebody strong in defence and we are prepared on next seasson in Seria A and even in CL
Complete and utter BS. Milan won’t pay €55 for Zirkzee, but will pay €30 for Lukaku with a salary of €9 million. The Italian press are as much of an embarassment as their national team.
As costacourta said much rather give Carmada paying time thanks to play Lukaku. In saying that zirkzee is not the answer as we need a proven goal scorer to compete on all fronts. Inter has Laturu + Thuram, Juve has Vlahovic. We need 25 goal striker. Whoever you think of wont come cheap!
Lol.kaku is down-grade of Giroud w/ 30m i’ll bet in Lucca &/ Pinamonti. even Petagna better than Lol.kaku if he trusted to play regularly