Defending Serie A champions Milan have reportedly compiled a list of three up-and-coming strikers to bolster their attacking department in the summer. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the latest name on Ricky Massara and Paolo Maldini’s shopping list is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.
Despite still performing at the highest level, Olivier Giroud is already 36, forcing Milan to examine the market for potential long-term solutions. Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be playing his final season, while Divock Origi has failed to live up to expectations.
Since joining from Liverpool on a free transfer last summer, the Belgian forward has repeatedly struggled with injuries. Even when fit, Origi has been nowhere near Giroud’s standards. As such, Milan must sign a new prolific marksman to replace the aging Frenchman.
RB Salzburg youngster Noah Okafor has been on Maldini’s radar for quite a while now. However, since he mainly operates as a second striker, Milan would like to switch to other targets. Though his age and potential perfectly fit the Rossoneri’s demands, he’d more likely be a replacement for Rafael Leao.
In addition to Okafor, Milan are still keeping close track of Lille’s Jonathan David. At 23, the Canada international is already an established striker in Ligue 1, with numerous top European clubs following his development for years. While he could be an ideal long-term successor to Giroud, the Italians would have to beat stiff competition from abroad.
David remains a concrete option for Milan, yet there have been no talks with Lille to understand their valuation of the Canadian. Given his sublime Ligue 1 form and the fact Les Dogues paid Gent €30m to sign him less than two years ago, he wouldn’t come cheap.
Considering Milan’s precarious financial situation, the deal may not be feasible unless the reigning Serie A champions sell someone first. Leao’s big-money move to the Premier League would secure the necessary funds, yet the Rossoneri would rather keep hold of their standout performer.
That leads us to Kolo Muani. Milan considered landing the super-talented French striker on a free transfer last summer. But Frankfurt took advantage of the Italian side’s indecisiveness and stole the 24-year-old right under their noses. And it proved a massive hit as the former Nantes man excelled in the Bundesliga.
Since swapping his homeland for Germany, Kolo Muani has clocked up eight goals and 11 assists for Die Adler, growing into one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the Bundesliga. On top of that, he proved as a super-sub during France’s run to the 2022 World Cup final this winter.
Kolo Muani’s stunning form in Qatar turned him into one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe. Aware of the growing interest in their first-team star, Frankfurt have slapped a substantial €30m price tag on his head.
Given today’s market, it’s not a hefty price. But Milan may not be able to adhere to the Germans’ asking price unless they secure Champions League football this season at the very least.