CM: Milan increasingly convinced by striker nicknamed ‘The Tank’ – the reasons

AC Milan have a number of strikers on their list of potential targets, but Mateo Pellegrino or Parma is one that stands out.

As Calciomercato.com report, Santiago Gimenez’s lack of goals and his injury struggles have reignited discussions about Massimiliano Allegri’s need for a new striker, even if his agent Rafaela Pimenta claimed a January exit is not possible.

Pellegrino on the radar

Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were ‘impressed’ by the performance of Mateo Pellegrino during the 2-2 draw with Parma last month. The Argentine did not score, but he hit the post and was a real handful for the Milan defenders.

There is growing conviction that the 24-year-old might just have the technical but above all the physical characteristics for Allegri, who wants a profile that is different to Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku, who should be around long-term.

Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

Parma acquired the centre-forward from Vélez Sarsfield at the end of the most recent winter window, for €2m plus a 50% cut in any future resale. Last summer, a €15m offer for Mateo arrived from the Premier League, but it was promptly rejected.

The Crociati ‘firmly believe’ Pellegrino can become worth double that figure. Meanwhile, Italian clubs (such as Roma) and others abroad (including Atlético Madrid, Villarreal, Tottenham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest) have also set their sights on ‘El Tanque’.

It will take a huge offer to convince Parma, especially during the winter window. Milan are reportedly considering Pellegrino or a striker with his characteristics in January, and Jean-Philippe Mateta for next summer.