AC Milan has been working hard to fill their most pressing needs during the summer transfer window, with an overhaul of the defense and a new striker being the two top priority.
Milan is saying farewell to renowned striker Olivier Giroud, who will join MLS next season following a magnificent final season in Europe.
His backup, Luka Jovic, is far from impressive, and despite scoring a late goal to help Serbia qualify for Euro 2024, it is evident the Rossoneri cannot trust on the former Real Madrid (and Fiorentina) flop.
AC Milan had considered Bologna breakout talent Joshua Zirkzee as a transfer priority at striker, but with Manchester United on the horizon and negotiations stalled, the Rossoneri have had to consider alternatives.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Atletico Madrid star Alvaro Morata has emerged as a “concrete target” for AC Milan this summer, owing to a release clause of 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 star, Morata has been linked with a return to Turin this summer as the Bianconeri look for a partner for Dusan Vlahovic (Zirkzee has also been connected).
Roma are another major Serie A team in the running, since they need a striker after Romelu Lukaku failed miserably on loan at Chelsea.
Milan finished higher in the table than these two clubs and provide Morata with greater offensive partners in Christian Pulisic, Samuel Chukwueze, and Rafael Leao, all of whom are outstanding goal-scoring wingers.
Last season, Morata shone for Atletico Madrid with one of the league’s finest players, Antoine Griezmann, scoring 15 goals in LaLiga and five more in the Champions League.