Reports in Italy claim Sunderland are close to securing a January deal for AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez, with suggestions that an agreement is “virtually done”.
The Black Cats have been strongly linked with the Mexico international in recent days, with claims that the club is preparing a major bid to tempt Milan into selling. Sunderland are said to have already held conversations with the player’s representatives ahead of the winter window.
Tuttomercatoweb reported earlier this week that Milan were open to letting the 24-year-old leave despite signing him only last January, even considering a loan with an obligation to buy if it helped free up funds for their own striker search.
Fresh update from Italy on Sunderland’s pursuit
According to MilanNews24, Sunderland have now put forward a substantial proposal worth around £26.3 million. The Italian outlet states that Milan view the figure as acceptable and would agree to the sale without resistance, despite Gimenez scoring only once this season.
Their report adds that the offer would help Milan avoid a financial loss on the player and generate the cash they need to bring in a new centre-forward, leading club officials to consider the transfer “virtually done” from their side.
Does Santiago Gimenez want the move?
While Milan may be ready to sell, it is unclear whether Gimenez would be keen on a January switch to Wearside. Speaking over the summer, he expressed how settled he felt in Italy, stressing his desire to prove himself at the San Siro after early rumours about a potential exit.
“I feel at home in Milan. I’m living a dream. I thank God for giving me the chance to be at such a great team,” he said at the time. “I spoke with the management and the coaching staff and the idea is for me to stay. I want to show my best version because I don’t want to waste this opportunity.”
With Milan seemingly prepared to accept Sunderland’s sizeable offer, the next step rests with the player — and whether he is willing to trade Serie A for the Premier League in January.