AC Milan eye Taty Castellanos after Ruben Amorim identifies ideal striker

AC Milan have reportedly identified West Ham United striker Taty Castellanos as a potential summer signing, with head coach Ruben Amorim viewing the Argentine as an ideal fit for his tactical system.

According to reports in Italy, Castellanos has emerged as one of Milan's preferred attacking targets should Santiago Gimenez leave the San Siro during the current transfer window. Any move, however, is expected to depend on player sales before the Serie A giants can pursue the former Lazio forward.

For West Ham, the growing interest comes after Castellanos impressed despite the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Milan are expected to reshape their forward line this summer, with Santiago Gimenez increasingly linked with a departure. Should the Mexican international leave, Amorim wants to bring in a striker capable of operating in multiple attacking roles rather than a traditional centre-forward.

Italian outlet MilanNews24 reports that Castellanos has been recommended by the Portuguese coach because of his tactical flexibility.

The 27-year-old is comfortable leading the line but can also drop into deeper positions or operate from wider areas, qualities that fit Amorim's preferred attacking structure.

That versatility has become a key feature of Amorim's teams in recent seasons, with the Portuguese manager consistently favouring forwards capable of rotating positions and contributing throughout the final third rather than remaining fixed inside the penalty area.

West Ham invested around €29 million to sign Castellanos from Lazio during the January transfer window as they attempted to preserve their Premier League status.

Although relegation could not be avoided, the Argentine adapted well during the second half of the campaign.

He finished the season with seven goals across all competitions, including six in the Premier League, improving significantly on the two Serie A goals he had scored before leaving Lazio midway through the season.

Castellanos was one of the few players whose performances improved as the season progressed. His work rate, movement and ability to link attacks offered encouragement despite the club's disappointing results. However, whether that is enough to convince him to remain in the Championship is another question entirely.

Despite their interest, Milan are unlikely to accelerate negotiations immediately.

Reports suggest the club must first complete the expected sale of Gimenez before committing to another striker. Financial considerations are also expected to play a significant role, particularly with Gonçalo Ramos reportedly closing in on a record move to San Siro.

That means Castellanos may become a realistic target later in the window rather than an immediate priority.

From West Ham's perspective, keeping one of the club's highest earners in the Championship could prove difficult if a suitable offer arrives. A permanent transfer would not only generate funds but also reduce the wage bill as the Hammers prepare for life outside the Premier League.

Much will depend on Milan's outgoing business over the coming weeks. If Santiago Gimenez secures a move away, Castellanos could become one of the club's leading attacking targets. West Ham, meanwhile, must decide whether to cash in on one of their standout performers following relegation or retain him in an attempt to mount an immediate promotion challenge.

Would AC Milan be the right move for Taty Castellanos, or should West Ham build their Championship campaign around the Argentine striker?