One thing is clear heading into the summer for AC Milan: a top-notch striker is wanted, if a return to the Champions League is secured.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report, while Dusan Vlahovic is an idea that is back in fashion, the name of Robert Lewandowski remains a strong presence in the background. The Polish striker is on his way out of Barcelona, despite the Blaugrana having tentatively reopened the door to a renewal.
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It’s unlikely Lewandowski will remain in Catalonia. At 37 (he’ll turn 38 in August), he’s ready for a new adventure, and it’s no coincidence that his agent – Pini Zahavi – has already begun exploring potential options. One of them is Milan, and there was talk Igli Tare met Zahavi recently too.
Ideas and alternatives
Lewandowski hasn’t made a decision yet, and neither have Milan, given that they aren’t yet certain they’ll play in next season’s Champions League. Without a spot, there wouldn’t even be room to discuss the Pole’s potential salary, as he currently earns a huge amount in Spain.
His contract with Barcelona expires on June 30th, and it’s logical to assume that – barring exotic destinations (like Saudi Arabia) – he’ll have to lower his asking price from his current €15m net per year. In addition to Milan, Juventus have held talks, as have several MLS talks.
la gazzetta dello sport 16 april vlahovic
Clearly, ‘Lewa’ remains more of a temptation than anything else for now, given the cost, the player’s age and the competition. Milan continue to monitor the situation of Nicolas Jackson as an alternative, currently on loan at Bayern Munich but owned by Chelsea.
The Senegalese striker will return to London at the end of the season, but certainly not to stay. Who knows, perhaps his next flight will be to Milan, a flight many before him have boarded.