GdS: ‘Hasn’t scored since April’ – Fullkrug unconvincing as Milan keep alternatives alive

AC Milan are looking for a striker ahead of January, and it seems as though Niclas Füllkrug does not have unanimous approval.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, regardless of what happens with Santiago Gimenez and his potential ankle surgery, logic dictates that a new centre-forward must arrive in the winter. However, Milan do not have a huge available budget.

This is why, in the last few hours, the candidacy of Fullkrug has resurfaced. The 32-year-old will leave West Ham, can be secured practically immediately and at a very low cost, given that the London club are open to a dry loan.

Furthermore, he’s an old-fashioned target man who is strong in the air and with a great presence in the penalty area, unlike anything else in the squad currently. One drawback, however, is not exactly insignificant: since he arrived in England in the summer of 2024, the German has played just 29 games, scoring three goals.

In between, three significant injuries. September 2024: Achilles tendon inflammation and 16 missed games. January 2025: thigh problem and another twelve games missed. Finally, October 2025: torn muscle and a month and a half out.

The result? Füllkrug ‘hasn’t scored since April 5th’. So, regardless of feasibility, doubts as to whether he can actually help Milan in the coming months are more than legitimate.

Alternative ideas

The aforementioned reasons are why Fullkrug is not the number one target, contrary to other reports. Despite being different profile, in recent weeks there have been contacts with the entourage of Joshua Zirkzee, a long-time target for Milan.

The Dutchman wants to leave Manchester United and would gladly return to Italy, where he exploded with success at Bologna. The Red Devils, however, would like to include an obligation to buy of around €35 ​m to protect themselves before sanctioning a loan.

Above all, they would only let him leave at the end of January. Finally, other clubs are also interested in Zirkzee, with Roma leading the way. In short, it’s not a simple deal, even if the Rossoneri remain vigilant and hope for a breakthrough in the coming weeks.

Mateo Pellegrino remains in the background, but Parma are reluctant to sell him in January unless they receive a particularly good offer. Milan are unlikely to make one. A move for Mauro Icardi is also unlikely, though in the mercato it is a case of ‘never say never’.