Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee is the leading candidate to replace Olivier Giroud at Milan in 2024-25, but the Rossoneri have been linked with other strikers, including Viktor Gyökeres, Jonathan David and Benjamin Sesko.
Giroud is expected to leave the Stadio Meazza at the end of his contract in June, having reached a principle of agreement with MLS side LAFC, where he will join his compatriot Hugo Lloris.
Best Betting Sites highlight the Rossoneri as among the favourites to win the Europa League in 2023-24, but club directors are also focusing on strengthening the team next season. Fans are wondering who will replace Giroud at Milan in 2024-25, and the most recent reports in Italy suggest the Rossoneri have already decided on their next centre forward.
Several sources claim Zirkzee is the primary target to become Milan’s starting striker next season and even if the Dutch striker reportedly prefers the Rossoneri over Manchester United and Arsenal, reaching an agreement with Bologna won’t be an easy task.
The Rossoblu are in a stable financial situation, and it’s unlikely that €50m will be enough to sign the ex-Bayern Munich talent in the summer. Gazzetta has reported that Bologna will be looking for at least €75m, the same price Manchester United paid to sign Rasmus Hojlund last summer.
This is why other strikers have been linked with a move to the Stadio Meazza. Sporting CP’s Gyökeres, scorer of 36 goals in 41 appearances this season, has attracted interest from many top clubs in Europe, including the Rossoneri. Sesko has been followed by Milan and the same is true of Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord), David (Lille) and Sesko (RB Leipzig).
Nevertheless, all these players come after Zirkzee in Milan’s pecking order, and the Rossoneri will do everything they can to sign the exciting 22-year-old in June.
Any new signing will predictably join Luka Jovic at Milanello. The Serbia international’s contract with Milan expires in June and the Rossoneri seem willing to extend his stay at the club.
The ex-Real Madrid forward has scored eight goals in 25 appearances across all competitions this term, but is not seen as a right fit to fill Milan’s starting spot in attack next season.
“I’ve always had the feeling Jovic lacks something,” ex-Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini told Radio Bruno last week.
“He is a lad who can make an impact in balanced games, but he will struggle to cover a more important role. Milan create a lot and strikers have many chances. However, the Rossoneri can’t rely on Jovic as a starting striker next season.
“It remains to be seen if he can improve his attitude on the pitch, but more is required from a starting striker at Milan.”