AC Milan are continuing their search for a new centre-forward, and another name has now entered the frame.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport write this morning, the issues in attack have been exposed in the past few weeks leaving Milan with a great certainty: they must acquire a Champions League level striker in the summer, presuming they secure their place.
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With a top four finish and subsequent qualification for Europe’s top competition, Milan will be guaranteed at least €60m from UEFA plus the proceeds from the four home games they are guaranteed to play. This money will allow for an investment in a top No.9.
Among the names being considered is Alexander Sorloth, the Norwegian at Atlético Madrid who will be a key player in the Champions League semi-finals. He was bought for €32m in 2024 from Villarreal, with 17 goals in 48 appearances this season, but for Diego Simeone he is not a permanent starter.
In fact, half of the time (24) he has come on as a substitute. In the new Milan, however, he would be a fixed point, a prospect that intrigues the Norwegian. Considering that he will turn 31 in December, the operation would not even be impossible to pull off: Atletico are asking for €40m, bonuses included.
Without an explosive end to the season (or a super World Cup), they will settle for less, perhaps €20-25m plus bonuses. Simeone wants a centre-forward who is stronger in the aerial duels and who defends the ball better, so a separation between the ‘Viking’ and Los Colchoneros is possible.
Climbing the list
Next season’s squad will be expanded, as there will be more games to play, and more quality will be needed. If the goal in 2025-26 was to return to the top four, by 2028 the goal is to have won the second star Scudetto.
This requires players who raise the bar, who have international experience, and who are exemplary professionals. Sorloth is a player who sacrifices himself for the team, who can play as a centre-forward or as a winger in a 4-3-3 (as he did with Norway), and who has played in eight different countries.
He stands 195cm tall, but is better with the ball at his feet and attacking spaces than in the air. These are perfect characteristics for Allegri. Furthermore, between European competitions and the national team, he has over 120 appearances. In short, he can be a guiding light for his team-mates.
Last summer, Milan negotiated the sale of Theo Hernandez to Atlético Madrid, and came close to completing the deal. The relationship between the two clubs is solid and the player isn’t immune to the possibility of playing in a new league and for a top club aiming to win the Scudetto.
He didn’t made a breakthrough in the Premier League (where he played with Crystal Palace), nor in Germany, but he’s shown he can be a factor in LaLiga.
Other names
Sorloth has climbed the Rossoneri’s list of targets. If he were financially viable, Serhou Guirassy would be the top choice, but the €80m release clause is a problem. Furthermore, the Dortmund striker is highly sought after, which is why Milan has broadened the list of potential candidates.
Nicolas Jackson, whom Milan inquired about last year before his loan move to Bayern, is another possibility, although he’s coming off a difficult season. However, he’s certainly not part of Chelsea’s plans, as they must find a place for him.
Then there are two high-profile free agents: Robert Lewandowski, offered by his agent, and Dusan Vlahovic, whom Allegri knows well. The Pole’s demands currently fall outside the Rossoneri’s parameters and he has the option of a one-year contract extension with Barça or a move to the MLS.
There’s also a gap between the expectations of the Serbian – who hasn’t yet renewed his contract with Juventus – and what Milan are ready to offer, but he is 12 years younger than Lewa. A possible future investment is Nicolò Tresoldi of Club Brugge, a boyhood Milanista attracting lots of interest.
He is perfect Allegri striker
Please no
Yes,yes. This where acmilan suppose to start 🙄.
Id prefer him to Lewa, cuz its pretty clear watching him at barca hes only got about a year or 2 left at any level
I remember some months ago when I first mentioned his name and Goretzka here, some came for me like I was crazy, but over time I have come to believe that either the management truly read our comments here or the rumour mongers just pick it up from here.
I’m waiting to hear us being linked with Osimhen, Joelinton and Hjulmand.