Could Robert Lewandowski Be AC Milan’s Answer to a Long-Awaited Scudetto?

AC Milan could be forced into the January transfer market for a new striker, with Italian media suggesting Christopher Nkunku’s uncertain future may prompt Massimiliano Allegri to consider alternative options.

With the former Chelsea man appearing on several clubs’ late Christmas wish lists, Massimiliano Allegri could be forced into the market for a replacement — with Robert Lewandowski, Darwin Núñez and Jean-Philippe Mateta all emerging as potential options.

Niclas Füllkrug has arrived — but questions remain

Niclas Füllkrug has already joined Milan on a season-long loan from West Ham United, but Allegri could still be in the market for another striker.

With AC Milan actively hunting their first Scudetto since the 2021/22 campaign, it would not come as a surprise if Füllkrug was viewed as only a short-term solution following Nkunku’s struggles.

However, the Germany international has endured a difficult campaign, failing to score a single goal across all competitions for the Hammers.

In fact, Füllkrug has not found the net in competitive action since heading home West Ham’s 61st-minute goal against Bournemouth on April 5.

Up-and-down fortunes in the final third

AC Milan scored 69 league goals during their 2021/22 Scudetto-winning campaign — a useful reference point for how the club have previously spread goals across the squad rather than relying on a single prolific striker.

Rafael Leão finished 17th in the Serie A scoring charts with 11 goals that season, Olivier Giroud placed 20th with 11, while Zlatan Ibrahimović ended the season with eight goals.

Last season again highlighted Milan’s spread scoring profile, with no player finishing inside the top ten. Christian Pulisic led the way in 11th with 11 goals, followed by Tijjani Reijnders with ten and Leão with eight.

So far this season, the Rossoneri have scored 27 league goals — with only Inter Milan (35) netting more. Pulisic again leads the scoring charts with eight goals, followed by Leão on five.

Beyond that, Allegri must look deeper down the list to find Nkunku, Alexis Saelemaekers, Strahinja Pavlović and Davide Bartesaghi, all with two goals.

Reijnders’ summer move to Manchester City has only intensified the debate around whether Milan require further firepower in the final third.

Who could Milan sign to boost goal output?

Darwin Núñez

Núñez has already been linked with a move away from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal during the January window, with a return to Europe reportedly under consideration.

The Uruguayan is currently competing with Marcos Leonardo for a starting role, with the Brazilian emerging as Simone Inzaghi’s preferred option in front of goal.

Despite only joining Al-Hilal from Liverpool last summer, Núñez could appeal to Allegri as a commanding physical presence — particularly with Leão nearing a return from injury.

However, any deal would be expensive. A fee similar to the £46.2million paid by Liverpool could be required, raising questions over whether Milan would commit such funds mid-season.

The club has a long history of dominant centre-forwards — from Andriy Shevchenko to Marco van Basten and Zlatan Ibrahimović — and Núñez would certainly fit that mould.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

AC Milan could also test Crystal Palace’s resolve with a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The French forward would not come cheaply after finishing as Palace’s top scorer in each of the last two seasons, with 14 and 16 goals respectively.

It has been reported that Palace have agreed a £35m deal with Tottenham Hotspur for Brennan Johnson, which could hint at long-term succession planning should Mateta depart.

Having paid just £9.5million to sign him from Mainz in January 2022, Palace would stand to make a significant profit — potentially forcing Milan to break their current transfer record.

That record remains the £43.1million paid to Lille for Leão in August 2019.

Robert Lewandowski

With Lewandowski out of contract in the summer, AC Milan could opt for a bold short-term statement by moving for the Polish striker.

Although he has been linked with a possible move to Major League Soccer — following the path of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets — Italy remains unexplored territory for the 37-year-old.

Across spells with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, Lewandowski has scored over 600 career goals — a record that would inevitably attract interest from Milan.

He remains a regular contributor at Barcelona, featuring in 18 matches across competitions this season and scoring eight LaLiga goals.

However, with no indication that his contract will be extended beyond June 2026, a January or summer move could appeal to all parties.

While a free transfer would be possible in the summer, a bid slightly below his reported £7.85million market value could be enough to open negotiations sooner.

Concluding thoughts

Statistically, only Inter Milan (79) and Atalanta (78) scored more goals during the 2024/25 campaign.

However, Milan’s downfall was arguably rooted elsewhere — losing 11 of their 38 league matches ultimately proved costly.

With the Rossoneri currently sitting second in Serie A, just one point behind Inter, an additional forward option could yet prove decisive in the title race.

After last season’s disappointing eighth-place finish and absence from European competition, Milan will be desperate to ensure history does not repeat itself.