AC Milan have been working hard to fill their biggest needs in the summer transfer window, with an overhaul of the defense and a new striker being the two main priorities.
At striker, Milan are waving goodbye to the iconic Olivier Giroud, who will be moving to MLS next season after a fantastic final campaign in Europe.
His backup, Luka Jovic, is far from convincing, and despite a late goal to help Serbia at Euro 2024, it is clear the Rossoneri cannot rely on the former Real Madrid (and Fiorentina) flop.
AC Milan have viewed Bologna breakout star Joshua Zirkzee as their transfer priority at striker, but with Manchester United looming and negotiations plodding, the Rossoneri have needed to look at alternatives.
According to a report from Gianluca Di Marzio, Atletico Madrid star Alvaro Morata has become a “concrete target” for AC Milan this summer due to a release clause of just 13 million euros.
Morata could prove to be one of the bargain signings of the summer and may be a better deal than Zirkzee, pending Man United’s involvement, even if he is an older player.
The 31-year-old reminded the world of his quality at Euro 2024 with a strong opening fixture against Croatia, and only Cristiano Ronaldo and Michel Platini – two of the biggest legends of the game – have more European Championship goals than Morata.
A former Real Madrid and Juventus standout, Morata has been linked with a return to Turin again this summer, as the Bianconeri are searching for a partner for Dusan Vlahovic (Zirkzee has been linked as well).
Roma are another big Serie A club in the race, as they need a replacement at striker after Romelu Lukaku flopped badly on loan from Chelsea.
Milan finished higher than these two clubs in the table and offer stronger attacking partners for Morata to work with, as Christian Pulisic, Samuel Chukwueze, and Rafael Leao are highly talented wingers who can score goals.
Last season, Morata shined for Atletico Madrid next to one of the league’s best players in Antoine Griezmann, scoring 15 goals in LaLiga and 5 more in the Champions League.
Joe Soriano