AC Milan are reportedly set to sign Genoa striker Krzysztof Piatek, who is also a target for Real Madrid, to replace Chelsea-bound star Gonzalo Higuain
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Krzysztof Piatek is on the verge of joining AC Milan, who have reached an agreement with Genoa over a €35 million deal. The Polish striker has been heavily linked with Real Madrid, and will replace Chelsea-bound Gonzalo Higuain at San Siro.
Piatek has shot into prominence in recent months, having started the season in blistering fashion upon joining Genoa from Cracovia Krakow last summer. A scintillating tally of 13 goals from his first 8 games in Italy set the tone for the spotlight to be shined on him, and after a brief period of lull, he has started to score regularly once again.
Krzysztof Piatek to AC Milan, done deal! Agreement reached for €35M to be paid immediatly to Genoa, 5 years contract to the player. No other players into the deal. Here we go! ?⚫️✔️ #transfers #Piatek #Milan
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 22, 2019
In all, a record of 19 goals and a solitary assist in 21 appearances across all competitions is impressive in itself, and the fact that he is one of the favourites to become the Capocannoniere only adds to the allure. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that some of the biggest clubs in the world are monitoring his progress, including the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea.
Real Madrid though, hold the most concrete of interests in the 23-year-old, and for good reason. Karim Benzema has arguably been Los Blancos‘ best player this season. But, the Frenchman has not been as prolific as his job description demands, with just 12 goals from 31 appearances across all competitions.
But, Real Madrid are set to lose out in pursuit of Piatek, with AC Milan coming up trumps in the race to sign him. The Rossoneri have been forced into the transfer market for a striker, with Gonzalo Higuain edging closer to his move to Chelsea.
Piatek has thus, emerged as a viable target to replace the Chelsea-bound, former Real Madrid superstar at San Siro, with the prospect of the 23-year-old forging a long-term strike partnership with Patrick Cutrone quite an appealing one.
The transfer had already been confirmed to be in the works by the hierarchy at both Genoa and AC Milan and as per the report, the Pole is set to sign a €35 million deal with the struggling Italian giants, thereby kicking off the domino effect that will see Higuain join Chelsea.
The report also adds that Piatek will sign a five-year, €2 million-a-year deal, with AC Milan paying the aforementioned €35 million outright, with the medical set to take place on Wednesday. As for Real Madrid, they will have to set their sights elsewhere, while Chelsea look set to secure the services of Higuain imminently.
