West Ham urged to make ‘significant offer’ as Milan consider Santiago Gimenez sale

West Ham United have emerged as the club AC Milan quietly hope will make a “significant offer” for striker Santiago Gimenez, with the Italian giants preparing for a potential attacking reshuffle. The 24-year-old has struggled to establish himself under Max Allegri, losing his starting place and battling fitness issues during an underwhelming first half of the season. According to reports from TuttoSport and Corriere della Sera, relayed by MilanNews, Milan are open to selling the Mexico international if the right proposal arrives — and the Premier League duo of West Ham and Sunderland may provide the financial muscle required. 

Gimenez has made 11 appearances for the Rossoneri this season, contributing one goal and two assists in 768 minutes. His performances have fallen short of expectations following his move to Italy, and with Allegri restructuring his attack, Milan are now exploring opportunities to refresh their forward options.

But selling Gimenez is only one part of the strategy. The club have identified FC Midtjylland striker Franculino as a priority replacement — a €40m-rated target who cannot be signed without first generating funds.

Italian reports suggest that Milan are keen to create an auction environment around Gimenez, hoping the presence of both West Ham and Sunderland in the race will elevate the player’s price. With the Premier League enjoying significantly larger financial capacity than Serie A, the Rossoneri view English interest as advantageous.

Corriere della Sera are explicit in stating that Milan want a “significant offer” from West Ham. The hope is that the Hammers — who have admired Gimenez before, and reportedly attempted to sign him prior to his switch to Milan — may return at a moment when the Italian club are open to negotiations.

Having previously rejected moves to West Ham and Nottingham Forest, the Mexican was once hesitant about the Premier League. However, Italian sources now claim he would be open to the transfer, influenced by reduced playing time and the possibility of a clearer role under Julen Lopetegui.

Sunderland’s involvement adds another variable. The Premier League club’s ambitious recruitment drive has impressed Italian observers, and their ability to spend — particularly after summer sales — gives Milan hope that more than one English club could be persuaded into bidding.

Milan’s motivation is not driven solely by moving on an underperforming striker. Instead, it reflects tactical planning. Franculino has become their preferred No.9 target after a breakout spell in Denmark, but the €40m valuation stands in the way. Milan, who remain cautious with financial outlay, cannot commit to such a fee without first recouping funds.

This explains their desire for a competitive market around Gimenez rather than a quiet, predictable sale. If multiple clubs enter discussions, Milan may achieve a valuation that better reflects their rebuilding ambitions.

Having followed West Ham’s forward recruitment strategy over the past two seasons, it is clear they are targeting a mobile, link-oriented striker capable of fitting into a system built on vertical transitions. In that sense, Gimenez could be a stylistic match. His best form at Feyenoord came when he operated as a hybrid between penalty-box finisher and counter-attacking spearhead.

However, although some reports assume the Hammers will push aggressively, it’s worth questioning whether the club can justify a large bid for a player short on form. In our view, West Ham will only move if Milan’s price aligns with the risk profile. Nuno Santos typically favours decisive, technically clean forwards — qualities Gimenez possesses when in form, but which he has not shown in Italy.

From my experience analysing Eredivisie exports, the adaptation curve from the Dutch league to elite European competitions varies drastically. Gimenez’s mixed season may reflect transition pains rather than inherent limitations. Still, Milan’s eagerness to sell could signal concerns that West Ham must examine carefully.

Milan’s stance suggests they want to conclude their striker business early in the summer window. If Franculino remains their top priority, they need the Gimenez sale resolved well before August. English clubs, by contrast, often move later. This timing mismatch could influence negotiations, especially if Sunderland continue their pursuit.

West Ham are expected to continue monitoring the situation, while Milan evaluate the market ahead of January. If Premier League clubs make early moves, Milan’s striker rebuild could accelerate quickly.

👉 Should West Ham gamble on Gimenez despite his difficult season in Italy, or wait for a more proven option?