AC Milan is ramping up its efforts as the January transfer window approaches its final hours, seeking key reinforcements to bolster their squad. The Rossoneri are focusing their attention on two main targets: Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord and Samuele Ricci from Torino. Both players could bring much-needed talent and depth to the team, which has struggled on the pitch.
Starting with Santiago Gimenez, Milan is reportedly preparing to submit another offer for the young Mexican striker. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club recognizes the urgency of the situation, noting, "The time has come to speed up for Santiago Gimenez," with just days left before the transfer window closes. After having their initial bid of around €30 million rejected, Milan is now aiming to increase their offer to €33-34 million, inclusive of performance-related bonuses. Feyenoord, on the other hand, has remained firm on their asking price of at least €40 million.
Negotiations have proven challenging, but Milan is hopeful due to Gimenez's desire to make the move. His appetite for playing at the San Siro could potentially pressure Feyenoord to reconsider their position. The striker, who has been impressive during his time at Feyenoord, fears he might miss out on this opportunity, making his agent's push for the transfer increasingly significant.
Meanwhile, Milan is also targeting Samuele Ricci as they seek enhancements to their midfield after facing issues with player fatigue and injuries. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to acquire Ricci, the Rossoneri are determined to persuade Torino to sell him, even considering structuring the deal as a loan with an obligation to buy next summer to ease financial constraints. The asking price is set above €25 million, which adds to the complexity due to Torino’s reluctance to lose key players mid-season.
Transitioning to player movements within the squad, Luka Jovic has turned down interest from Monza, which sought to replace Milan Djuric with the Serbian forward. This could affect his status on the team, especially as Milan contemplates bringing additional attackers. There are also reports linking Tottenham Hotspur with interest in Noah Okafor as they assess their options to strengthen their frontline.
Complicators emerge as Milan is also facing offers for current players like Theo Hernandez. A surprising bid worth over €40 million was reportedly made by Como for the left-back, but Hernandez declined the offer due to his refusal to join the club. This scenario highlights not only Como’s ambitions but also the importance of keeping key players at Milan as they navigate the pressures of league competition and potential outgoings.
With Alvaro Morata's potential sale to Galatasaray for approximately €16 million, Milan hopes to use the proceeds from this transaction to finance their pursuit of Gimenez. There exists significant pressure to finalize these transfers, as the clock ticks down on the January window. Milan has made it clear they do not want to be left without adequate reinforcements, especially with the poor showing from their current strikers.
The overarching strategy for AC Milan as the transfer deadline approaches seems aimed at fortifying their squad through calculated investments, hoping to land both Gimenez and Ricci. The supposed value both players could add to the team cannot be overstated, providing energy and creativity—qualities desperately needed to turn their season around and compete effectively at higher levels.
All eyes at the club are on the coming days, where decisive actions will determine whether Milan can secure the talents they desire before the window closes. The stakes are high, and any delays could push the club to explore alternative options, reflecting the cutthroat nature of transfer dealings as January wraps up. The ambitions of the Rossoneri remain clear: to reclaim their position as contenders by making astute signings amid growing competition.