Mazzara: Allegri wants a ‘physical’ striker in January – name ‘shrouded in mystery’

Massimiliano Allegri has told the AC Milan management that he wants a more physical striker, but the name remains a mystery.

We published a feature last night breaking down the numbers and possible causes of Milan’s struggles when it comes to finding the right striker to invest in, given the limited returns over the past few seasons.

This season so far has been strange, with Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic continuing to score regularly – two players who are adapting as natural wingers to playing up front – while Santiago Gimenez and Christopher Nkunku are stuck on zero league goals.

This is despite the fact they cost over €70m combined, and scored plenty for RB Leipzig and Feyenoord respectively.

‘Very specific characteristics’

Now, Pietro Mazzara has published his weekly column for MilanNews and he revealed that Allegri does indeed want another centre-forward in the winter, but at present there is no stand-out profile.

“The November international break is always the most lively when it comes to transfer rumours, as the January transfer window approaches and clubs are starting to more clearly understand their squad’s needs and are giving their players the first indications,” he began.

“Massimiliano Allegri wants a striker in January, but with very specific characteristics. While he has plenty of quality players around the penalty area, he lacks someone to fill those sixteen meters where matches are decided. Therefore, a striker with a physical presence is needed, someone the team can rely on in times of need and who can also score goals.

“The name is still shrouded in mystery: several have been floated, but it will be necessary to consider the feasibility of the move in January and also the kind of balance he can create in the partnership of Leao and Pulisic, which will make his debut in Sunday night’s derby.

“Nicklas Fullkrug, who has been sidelined at West Ham, will certainly be approached by Milan’s management, while it’s highly unlikely that Via Aldo Rossi [the club’s headquarters] will be looking for big guns in January, even with the potential sale of Santiago Gimenez. The discussion, as has been the case for many years, will be postponed until June, with Lewandowski’s name still on Milan’s radar.

“No enquiries have been made with Manchester United regarding Joshua Zirkzee (relations with Kia Joorabchian are still cold), and the Red Devils are not open to a loan option. It will be necessary to wait for the right opportunities among the profiles already circulating in the offices on the fourth floor of Casa Milan.”