An AC Milan striker search will occur in preparation for the summer transfer window as Zlatan Ibrahimovic nears the end of his historic career and Mario Mandzukic struggles with injury. The Rossoneri have the youngest squad in Serie A, so they will likely search for a player that fits the same timeline. According to Calcio Mercato, Milan’s five targets are Dusan Vlahovic, Andrea Belotti, Myron Boadu, Donyell Malen, and Odsonne Edouard.
AC Milan Striker Search in Preparation for the Summer
Three Unlikely Options
Of the five names mentioned, Boadu, Malen, and Edouard are unlikely. All are talented and young but will court the interest of clubs across Europe. Milan will likely not have the purchasing power nor the influence to secure their signatures.
Boadu has broken onto the scene for AZ Alkmaar this season, and is a major reason why they are sitting third in the Eredivisie table. To date, he has scored 12 goals in 25 appearances. Both skill and potential are clearly present at his young age, but to truly reach the next level Boadu must improve his physical fitness. He is best suited to another year in the Eredivisie while he polishes his skills.
Malen is uber-talented. He is an Eredivise star and the clear choice to be the lead scorer for the Netherlands national team in the future. He has netted 15 goals and provided six assists in 26 league appearances for PSV Eindhoven this season. In addition, he has five goals and one assist to his name in eight Europa League matches. Malen will attract interest from the majority of Europe’s top sides.
Edouard, a product of the Paris Saint-Germain Academy, is breaking out for Celtic. He has 16 goals and five assists in 26 Scottish Premiership appearances, as well as two goals in four Europa League games. Much like Malen, Edouard will be a hot name for the best clubs in Europe.
Two Most Likely Options for AC Milan
The two most feasible options for the Rossoneri are Vlahovic and Belotti.
Vlahovic is enjoying a strong season with Fiorentina, netting the ball 12 times in 27 matches. He’s an intriguing prospect due to his physical and playing style similarities to Ibrahimovic. Having him under the tutelage of the Big Swede for at least one season will work wonders. Fiorentina have also been poor this season. They’re sitting at 14th in the table, with 29 points from 28 matches. It’s easy to envision Vlahovic wanting to leave for greener pastures in Italy.
Belotti has long been rumoured as a Milan target, but Champions League qualification will finally give the club the funds they need for a player of his calibre. The Torino captain has 11 goals and six assists in 25 matches, and has now hit double-digit goals in all of his seasons at the club. What makes this opportunity interesting for Milan, besides Belotti’s experience and talent, is the fact that his contract is expiring in 2022. It’s time for him to depart to a major club with the World Cup a little over a year away, and Milan presents that opportunity. His expiring contract may also allow Milan to purchase him for a discounted price.
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