As Milan’s new season kicks off, the Rossoneri is still searching for their next number nine to succeed Olivier Giroud. During the team’s first training session under new coach Paulo Fonseca, the question of who will lead Milan’s attack remains unanswered.
In a recent press conference, Fonseca and club director Zlatan Ibrahimovic provided some insights into Milan’s striker situation:
1. Joshua Zirkzee is no longer a target, with Manchester United reportedly close to signing the Dutch forward.
2. Fonseca has identified a preferred striker, referred to as “Mister X,” who he hopes will join the squad soon.
3. Ibrahimovic hinted at the possibility of signing two new strikers, stating “nothing is impossible.”
The Swedish director elaborated on the striker situation, saying, “We need to find a solution for those who won’t get playing time. For the three attackers: one is Mister X, the one we’re targeting. Then it depends on the situations. Jovic is ours. It depends on the coach, how many attackers he needs.”
Speculation surrounds the identity of “Mister X,” with Alvaro Morata emerging as a strong candidate. The Spanish striker fits Fonseca’s description of a player who can operate in tight spaces in the final third. However, any move for Morata would likely occur after Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign.
Ibrahimovic also emphasized the importance of promoting youth, mentioning “Milan Futuro” and the desire to give young players opportunities without placing undue pressure on them.
For Milan to pursue two strikers, certain conditions must be met:
1. Offloading surplus players like Divock Origi and potentially Lorenzo Colombo.
2. Ensuring any new signings contribute meaningfully to the squad.
3. Considering Noah Okafor’s versatility, which could influence whether Milan signs another striker or an attacking winger.
While the possibility of two new strikers remains open, the priority for Milan is to secure their primary target quickly. Both Fonseca and Ibrahimovic confirmed that the club has identified their preferred number 9 and aims to bring him to Milanello soon, setting the tone for the upcoming season.
