Mansion Sports – AC Milan are reportedly considering a move in the January transfer window to sign West Ham United striker Niclas Füllkrug, who has struggled to display his best form.

Sporting director Igli Tare is said to be keen to provide head coach Massimiliano Allegri with a physical focal point in attack.

The Germany international forward has failed to adapt in London since arriving from Borussia Dortmund and is reportedly eager to leave as soon as possible, although a return to the Bundesliga also remains an option.

Milan Search for a Number Nine Striker

AC Milan’s search for a natural number nine striker has led them to look towards West Ham, with the Rossoneri seriously considering a loan move for Füllkrug when the transfer window reopens, as reported by Sky Sport.

The Serie A giants, who are currently undergoing a tactical transition under Massimiliano Allegri, view the German striker as a potential solution to their attacking inconsistency, despite his difficult spell in the Premier League.

The Key Role of Igli Tare in Negotiations

According to reports from Italy, AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare is the main driving force behind this potential deal.

Tare, who took up his role at San Siro in May 2025, is eager to provide Allegri with a striker who fits the coach’s preferred profile, namely a physically strong presence capable of holding up the ball, excelling in aerial duels, and allowing players such as Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic to perform optimally around him.

This idea has reportedly gained momentum in recent days as Milan seek to strengthen a squad that has shown flashes of quality but still lacks a reliable option as a central striker.

Füllkrug’s Difficult Period in the Premier League

Füllkrug’s time in London has been disappointing since his £27 million move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024.

Signed to boost West Ham’s attacking threat, the 32-year-old striker has struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, becoming marginalised and frequently criticised for his lack of contribution.

Having yet to score in the current season and with his confidence visibly declining, both club and player appear ready to bring the partnership to an early end.

Allegri’s Tactical Needs in Attack

For Milan, Füllkrug’s specific attributes remain appealing. Allegri has been forced to improvise in attack due to the injury suffered by Santiago Gimenez, who has been sidelined with an ankle problem for the last six matches.

Although Christopher Nkunku and Pulisic have been able to fill the role reasonably well, neither offers the physical presence that is typically a hallmark of Allegri’s system.

The Italian coach has openly emphasised the need for a striker capable of battling Serie A defenders and providing a different dimension when facing opponents who defend deep.

Competition from Bundesliga Clubs

However, AC Milan will not be the only club interested in Füllkrug. Reports suggest that a return to Germany is also a strong possibility, with several Bundesliga clubs closely monitoring his situation.

Wolfsburg are said to have a strong interest in offering him a route out, with administrative obstacles cited as the only factor delaying a potential return.

The appeal of returning to the league where he once finished as a top scorer could be decisive for Füllkrug, who is seeking to salvage his season and maintain his place in the German national team.

A Loan Deal as a Realistic Option

Given Milan’s reluctance to commit a significant transfer fee for a 32-year-old player in January, the deal is likely to be structured as a loan.

Such an arrangement would benefit West Ham, who are looking to reduce their wage burden and free up squad space, while giving Milan the opportunity to assess Füllkrug’s impact before making a long-term commitment.

Igli Tare is reportedly working on the financial details to make the move possible. If successful, Füllkrug’s arrival could provide the catalyst Allegri needs to turn Milan’s Scudetto ambitions into reality by offering a fallback option that has been missing from their squad this season.

For Füllkrug, a move to San Siro would represent a valuable opportunity to prove that his quality remains intact, despite his struggles in England being temporary in nature.