‘We trust him, but we’re seeking another striker’ - AC Milan director says club wants competition for Mexico's Santiago Giménez

As the summer transfer window heats up, AC Milan are actively working to strengthen their frontline, aiming to add healthy competition for Mexican striker Santiago Giménez. New sporting director Igli Tare voiced his support for Giménez but stressed the need for a more traditional, penalty-box specialist.

“We have full confidence in him,” said Tare. “Giménez is a very good player, but his impact has been normal considering he came from a very different league, like the Dutch one. We’re looking for another striker with the traits of a true No. 9.”

Tare added that Milan need a forward capable of making the difference inside the box - something the club has lacked since Olivier Giroud’s exit.

“We need to bring in a classic center-forward, someone who brings presence and goals inside the area. That’s what we’ve been missing since Giroud left.”

Giménez has made 19 appearances for Milan so far, contributing six goals and three assists. The Mexican has struggled to adapt to the Rossoneri side, going through long stretches without scoring, but the effort he puts in when he's on the pitch is undeniable. His second season with the club will likely be better if he gets consistent minutes. With Milan in the market for a target-man striker, Tare's priority is clear: precision inside the box.

“We're evaluating options both in Italy and abroad - it's a matter of finding the right profile, and for our playing style, that’s fundamental,” said Tare. “It has to be a player with completely different traits than Giménez, who is not a classic center-forward like Giroud.”

To strengthen Milan's squad, names like Juventus' Dušan Vlahović have been considered. The Serbian striker is familiar to Massimiliano Allegri, Milan’s new head coach, from their time together at the Old Lady.