Longoni: Gimenez ‘questionable’ and Nkunku a ‘mystery’ – Milan left with double headache

AC Milan have a couple of rather puzzling situations to resolve when it comes to their attacking department, a journalist has written.

In the January window, Milan decided to try and fix the striker position for the long term by signing Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord in a deal worth over €30m. After a bright start, things have not gone well in 2025-26 for him, as he is yet to score a goal in the league.

The biggest signing of the summer in terms of expenditure was Christopher Nkunku, who signed from Chelsea for €38m plus bonuses. He too has not hit the ground running in the current campaign, having scored his only goal in the Coppa Italia, even leading to rumours of a winter exit.

Two big question marks

Andrea Longoni published his weekly column for MilanNews and as part of it he spoke about the Mexican and the Frenchman, highlighting what he believes to be some problems with how both are handling things.

“There are two cases at Milan today, both in attack. The first is Santiago Gimenez: it’s been almost a month and a half since the Mexican’s last appearance. He’s out with an unspecified ankle problem, which was actually announced on social media by the player himself, not the club,” he said.

“It’s worth remembering that Allegri had publicly stated he expected to have him available for the derby on November 23rd. Meanwhile, while awaiting a return date that isn’t currently available, he’s been the talk of social media, his agent, and even his father. His handling of the situation is rather questionable.

“And then there’s Nkunku, a true mystery. By December, it can’t be a fitness issue anymore. Especially since his impact hadn’t been bad: a penalty won (but not awarded), a goal in the Coppa Italia, and a goal in the post. From then on, it was a constant decline.

“The feeling is that the Frenchman is mentally blocked, almost afraid to play. One fact is emblematic: in the last three games, he hasn’t taken a shot. The last one dates back to November 8th. Football, let’s remember, isn’t hide and seek…”