Jonathan David back in red-hot form – he is still on Milan’s list

AC Milan are preparing to invest in a new centre-forward ahead of the summer window and there are a number of candidates on their list, according to a report.

La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Milan are waiting for a decision from Olivier Giroud regarding another potential one-year extension given that the MLS tempts him, while they must in turn decide whether to extend Luka Jovic’s contract.

Regardless of what happens with both, they must also sign a new striker. The management are looking for a young striker who can guarantee goals now but – in line with the project – can grow into an even better player.

Two names top the list: Joshua Zirkzee and Benjamin Sesko. However, for Sesko a difficult negotiation with RB Leipzig beckons and for Zirkzee there is strong competition in addition to Bayern Munich’s €40m buy-back clause.

Who are the alternatives? Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord, Jonathan David of Lille and Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting CP are all on the list. It will be important to understand what Zlatan Ibrahimovic thinks, but the paper add that David will not arrive ‘on sale’ as was thought previously.

Even though David has a deal which expires in June 2025 and he had a difficult start to the season, he has had a real resurgence in 2024 as he now has 21 goals for the season.

The Canada international is only 24 years of age and has now racked up 79 goals in 172 appearances for Lille plus 16 assists, as well as 26 goals in 45 caps for his country.

Milan have been linked with David for several transfer windows now given the good relations between the clubs, and they even saw a late summer attempt rebuffed.