Rasmus Hojlund has ended up at the top of AC Milan’s wish list for No.9 role, and while negotiations with Man Utd are moving forward, the player has made it clear he wants guarantees.
Milan need to reinforce their squad with a striker before the start of the Serie A season next week, currently relying solely on Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican has been in good form this summer, scoring with Mexico and in his only friendly with the Rossoneri, but an alternative is needed.
In that sense, sporting director Igli Tare has evaluated several names in the last few weeks, but a decision has seemingly been made: all-in for Hojlund. This was reported in today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), providing the latest on the negotiations.
Hojlund wants a one-way ticket
In the negotiations between Milan, Man Utd and Hojlund’s entourage in the past few days, the striker has expressed a willingness to join the Rossoneri. Having said that, he has also made it clear that he would like a permanent transfer, or at least a loan that is more or less permanent.
Hojlund Milan emblem
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
He doesn’t want to end up in a situation where his future is uncertain yet again next summer. As such, he would prefer the flight to Milano to be a one-way ticket. It also means that the Dane expects a buy-out clause of €40m to improve his chances of staying.
Next week will be crucial to understanding the outcome of the story, as the newspaper concludes. Milan have received the initial go-ahead from both Man Utd and the player, but they can’t afford to wait too long, which is why a final agreement must soon be reached.
The alternatives for Milan
Among the alternatives, one of the hot names is Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, once again per Gazzetta dello Sport. The head coach Enzo Maresca made it clear on Friday that the striker will leave the Blues, and he has already been on the Rossoneri’s radar for some time.
Tare spoke with the striker’s agent, Ali Barat, over the weekend in London to take stock of the situation. He, like Hojlund, isn’t a classic penalty-box striker, but he has international experience and a desire to redeem himself.
Other names? Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface has been on the list for a while, as has Dusan Vlahovic, even though he continues to score for Juve (and has a hefty salary). Breel Embolo, who is set to leave Monaco, has been linked several times but he doesn’t excite the management.
Finally, Milan enquired about the costs of Nikola Krstovic a while back but were shown a €30m price tag, including bonuses. Atalanta are also interested in him, but a late attempt by the Rossoneri cannot be ruled out.
Hojlund Gazzetta demands inside