Max Allegri’s specific request for a new striker has thrown Santiago Gimenez’s future at AC Milan, and a resolution may be accelerated as the Rossoneri target Porto’s Samu Aghehowa.
Is Santiago Gimenez Leaving AC Milan?
Returning AC Milan manager Max Allegri has made no secret of his desire to add more firepower this summer.
One of the Rossoneri’s downfalls last season, which led them to their lowest Serie A finish in a decade, was a discernible lack of goals.
Milan’s top scorer in the league was Cristian Pulisic, who racked up a respectable but not particularly memorable tally of 11, while Tijjani Reijnders was the only other player to reach double figures.
With the latter now at Manchester City, Milan are intent on entering the transfer market where possible, in order to remedy their goal shortage.
Their ability to do that may also rest on offloading one of their existing strikers, Santiago Gimenez, who underperformed in his maiden season in Milan, following a $37 million move from Feyenoord last summer.
The Mexican international managed just five goals in all competitions, which is some way off the expectations Milan had when dropping a sizeable fee this time last year.
By all accounts, Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare are prepared to cut their losses and sanction a sale, should an important bid arrive for Gimenez.
Although Tare insisted Gimenez’s development is ‘normal’ considering a move to a different league and country, he didn’t shy away from the fact Milan are looking for a new marksman.
“We need to bring in a classic center-forward, someone who brings presence and goals inside the area. That’s what we’ve been missing since Giroud left,” he said.
“We’re evaluating options both in Italy and abroad – it’s a matter of finding the right profile, and for our playing style, that’s fundamental. It has to be a player with completely different traits than Gimenez.”
Gimenez himself has ruled out a move away from Milan as he remains bullish over his impact, but offshore sportsbooks suggest a long line potential suitors are well-positioned to capture his services.
AC Milan Express Interest in Samu Aghehowa
AC Milan have earmarked a considerable chunk of capital to fund their search for a new forward, but they hope that further player sales, which could soon reach $160 million in transfer fees, can do most of the heavy lifting.
Reports this week suggest Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez is Milan’s chief target, but FootItalia also understands Porto striker Samu Aghehowa is being discussed internally.
Aghehowa transfer news has largely been focused on Aston Villa’s interest, which could become more pressing as Ollie Watkins’ future remains uncertain.
However, for now, Milan have placed Aghehowa high on their shortlist after a prolific season at Porto last term.
The 21-year-old represents limitless potential, which is reflected in Porto’s lofty asking price of $80 million.
This would be a stretch for Milan, unless they are able to shift several players to free up cash.
The Spanish international has commanded the attention of Europe’s elite after a staggering breakout year in Portugal. Aghehowa displayed genuine goalscoring pedigree as he racked up 27 goals, including six in the Europa League.
