Milan still targeting Zirkzee despite Fullkrug availability

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Peter Young | Last updated Dec 16, 2025 5:03 AM ET

Tuesday’s reports claim that Milan are still ‘dreaming’ of a move for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window, despite the path being clear for them to pick up Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham.

Where Milan stand in pursuit of Fullkrug and Zirkzee

The Rossoneri are aiming to add to their attacking department in January. Massimiliano Allegri typically deploys a 3-5-2 system in San Siro, and despite the fact that Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku have all played up front at various stages this season, the injured Santiago Gimenez is Milan’s only natural, senior centre-forward.

For that reason, Milan have been exploring their options ahead of the January transfer window, and according to recent reports, have an agreement in principle over a potential loan deal for Fullkrug.

Niclas Füllkrug of Germany celebrates as he acknowledges the fans after the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Switzerland and Germany at Frankfurt Arena on June 23, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

The Germany international is expected to be made available for a straight loan deal until the end of the season, which suits Milan, and his wages are not an issue for the Rossoneri either.

However, his injury record and lack of goals during his West Ham spell is an obvious risk. The 32-year-old has not scored since a 2-2 Premier League draw with AFC Bournemouth on April 5.

Fullkrug has also had several spells on the treatment table during his time in East London: An achilles issue that caused him to miss 16 games in 2024, a thigh injury in January 2025 which saw him miss another 12 games and then a muscular injury in October which has caused him to miss another month and a half.

With these doubts in the back of Milan’s mind, the club have reportedly kept their interest in former Bologna forward Zirkzee according to updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on as he walks out of the tunnel to inspect the pitch prior to during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United FC at City Ground on April 01, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Milan have reportedly been in contact with the Manchester United forward’s agents in recent weeks. Tuesday’s report claims that he is open to the idea of leaving Old Trafford, but that negotiations with Manchester United are not expected to be straightforward.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that United will seek a loan deal with an obligation to buy for a fee in the region of €35m if they are to sanction Zirkzee’s departure in January. Milan are also not the only interested party, with Roma also among the clubs thought to be following the Dutchman.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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