‘Would have liked to wait’ for Zirkzee – Di Marzio explains why Milan’s striker plan changed

AC Milan were willing to wait to see if they could sign Joshua Zirkzee until their pursuit of a striker became urgent, Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed.

The reports from virtually every major source at the moment are claiming that Milan have accelerated for Niclas Fullkrug, who they hope to sign on loan from West Ham United. A number of strikers have been linked, but the German seems like the most accessible given his current club are open to his exit.

Whether or not he will prove to be the right signing remains to be seen, amid some understandable doubts. Since he arrived in London in the summer of 2024 from Borussia Dortmund, the 32-year-old has played just 29 games, scoring three goals and missing quite a lot of games due to injury.

Interviewed by the newspaper Il Tempo, Di Marzio answered some questions on what exactly Milan’s strategy was/is when it comes to signing a new No.9, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

Which teams are making the most moves at the moment?

“In my opinion, Milan and Roma, both of whom need a centre-forward, the Rossoneri due to the availability of Gimenez and Leao, and the Giallorossi who are looking for a player with different characteristics than those in their squad.

“Then there’s Fiorentina, given their dramatic league position. The idea would be to make as many changes as possible. January shakeups are always very complicated, especially when you have to sell and then buy back, but Fiorentina’s idea is really to try and do as much as possible.”

Photos: Manchester United, Galatasaray, West Ham

Will Milan and Roma compete for Zirkzee?

“There’s a timing issue that weighs heavily. Milan would have liked to wait for him, but I don’t think they have much time to secure him or be sure of staying in the running until January 18-20. Milan, on the other hand, want to secure the striker as soon as possible, and Fullkrug could arrive immediately. Then they’ll have to evaluate his fitness, as he hasn’t been at his best this year.

“Roma, on the other hand, already have Ferguson, Dybala, and Dovbyk – if there’s no Beto swap – would prefer to wait for Zirkzee. They’ve identified the right profile in him and are willing to wait. Provided that guarantees arrive from United and the player in the coming days, because then you risk waiting for a player who doesn’t come, but those are the signs we’re seeing.”