Romelu Lukaku is the latest striker to be linked with AC Milan, and whether it is an interest that never died or a reborn interest is unknown. However, it seems that the Rossoneri see him as a puzzle piece they may not find elsewhere.
Signing the Belgian presents several difficulties, and that is without considering timings. If the mercato started by signing him, as opposed to a younger option, it would be received more negatively than if the timings were reversed.
With that in mind, he is not a bad player, though, and he could provide several options for Milan to utilise, as was reported earlier this morning.
The interest in him from the Diavolo is certainly understandable, and Milan News have taken a look at some of the positive and negative aspects of his potential arrival.
Starting with the pros, last season, he scored 21 in 47 games, four more than Oliver Giroud managed in the same amount of games, and whilst he has struggled with injuries in the past, he came through the season without any physical issues.
Additionally, he knows Serie A, meaning not only can he provide an outlet there, but also he could assist younger talent with learning the characteristics required to play in this division and in Europe, where he has plenty of experience.
With good relations with Chelsea, it is certainly an intriguing proposition, and it could be the perfect chance for the Belgian to earn revenge in Milan, having been snubbed by Inter.
However, there are negatives to the deal. He has bad blood with the Rossoneri, for obvious reasons, but also due to his brawl with Ibrahimovic in 2021. Furthermore, Antonio Conte will target him for his Napoli side, with Victor Osimhen likely to depart this summer.
Finally, he received around €7 million last season at Roma, a figure which only Rafael Leao earns, and this is not something that will be replicable for the Rossoneri.