AC Milan join race to sign Vitor Roque

AC Milan have joined the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense, according to Calciomercato.

The Rossoneri are keeping tabs on the 17-year-old striker ahead of next summer’s transfer window as they look to provide support to Olivier Giroud.

The 36-year-old has been Milan’s main man since joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2021 and has once again delivered the goods for the Italians.

Giroud has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 30 games across all competitions this term to help the struggling champions, and his impressive outputs have put him in line for a new contract.

Milan are looking to sign a second striker to support the France international, especially with Zlatan Ibrahimovic struggling with injury as he approaches the twilight of his career.

Milan’s investment in Divock Origi is also yet to yield fruit. The Belgium international joined Stefano Pioli’s side on a free transfer last summer but has struggled to make any significant impact at the San Siro Stadium.

The former Liverpool man has managed just two goals and an assist in 21 appearances across all competitions, and his underwhelming statistics have pushed the club into the market for a new striker.

Roque has emerged on Milan’s shortlist, but the Italian giants will face strong competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Barcelona.

Milan’s financial situation means they cannot compete with the other European giants for the Brazilian gem, who is valued at around €30 million.

However, Milan’s football directors Frederic Massara and Paolo Maldini plan to raise funds to try and sign the youngster by selling Ante Rebic and Origi who have been deemed surplus to requirement.

Rebic has scored 29 goals since joining Milan in 2020 but has struggled to establish himself in the first team this season despite notching up three goals and two assists after starting just five of his 14 Serie A appearances.

Milan are desperate to sign a new striker next summer and also have RB Salzburg’s Noah Okafor on their shortlist, but the 22-year-old’s valuation has stalled Milan’s interest.