Massimiliano Allegri’s first impressions of Santiago Gimenez revealed amid Milan’s possible double swoop for Rasmus Hojlund and Dusan Vlahovic

Milan’s summer rebuild continues at full pace, with new head coach Massimiliano Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare steering a series of moves designed to reshape the squad. Several signings have already arrived, including Luka Modric, but the club’s work is far from over. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club has explored the audacious possibility of signing both Dusan Vlahovic and Rasmus Hojlund — a move that would dramatically reshape the attack and leave little room for the current No. 9, Santiago Gimenez.

The plan would see Vlahovic arrive on a permanent transfer from Juventus, while Hojlund could join from Manchester United on loan with a purchase option. Reports suggest the Rossoneri are close to an agreement with United: around $7 million for the loan and $47-52 million for an option to buy.

However, Hojlund’s stance has been evolving. Initially determined to stay and fight for a spot at Old Trafford, the Dane is now “starting to open a door at Milan”, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Italian transfer expert explained: “He never said no to Milan… He wanted to fight for Manchester United until the very end… But on the player side, there’s still work to be done on the contract, salary, and everything else.”

New start for Gimenez?

Amid all the transfer noise, one subplot has quietly emerged at Milanello: Allegri’s first impressions of Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican international is currently the only recognized senior centre-forward on the books, and while his role could yet be altered by incoming signings, the early signs from training have been striking.

The 24-year-old’s first months in Milan were mixed — a bright start followed by a dry spell that saw him lose his place under Sergio Conceicao. Six goals in 19 appearances were below expectations for a January signing tipped to be a long-term solution.

But things may be changing. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the first week of training with Allegri sent “unmistakable” signals. The Mexican arrived in excellent physical condition, impressed in movement both with and without the ball, and adapted quickly to the new coach’s demands. His goal against Leeds in a recent friendly only added to the positive momentum.

Redemption in the works

Gimenez’s summer preparation was boosted by his involvement in the 2025 Gold Cup, where Mexico lifted the trophy. Although he wasn’t a standout performer, he returned to Milan with heightened motivation. A three-week vacation didn’t dampen his energy, and according to Gazzetta, he turned up “fired up, ready to almost start from scratch”.

The forward himself has spoken with renewed confidence. On Instagram, he promised, “This season will be special. Forza Milan!” And after scoring against Leeds, he told Sky Italia: “I dream of the Scudetto, but to win it you have to work day after day. So no promises, but Milan is always looking high.”