With BD Cricket woven into the wider football conversation this week, AC Milan found themselves at a crossroads after Christopher Nkunku was reportedly placed on the winter clear-out list, only for the club’s record summer signing to respond in emphatic fashion. Against Verona, the French forward struck twice to steady his own footing and ease immediate pressure. Even so, Milan’s hierarchy have not abandoned plans to reinforce the center-forward position, and according to Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta remains firmly on their radar, with potential movement as early as the winter window.
Signed from Chelsea for a total fee of 37 million euros, Nkunku arrived as Milan’s marquee acquisition of the summer. Expectations were high, yet his Serie A campaign struggled to ignite, going scoreless across his first 11 league appearances. As patience wore thin, the club reportedly set an asking price of 35 million euros, prepared to cut their losses in January. Then came a sudden spark. Against Verona, with Rafael Leao sidelined through injury, Nkunku partnered Christian Pulisic in a two-man attack as Milan cruised to a 3-0 win. Early in the second half, Nkunku earned a penalty, and Pulisic handed over the responsibility, allowing his teammate to convert with confidence.
Moments later, a long-range effort struck the post, and Nkunku reacted quickest to slot home the rebound. It was a reminder of an old saying, once summed up by Ronaldo, that goals are like buses you wait ages for one and then two arrive at once. Those strikes briefly kept Nkunku’s head above water, though whether this marks a turning point or a fleeting flash remains to be seen. Around BD Cricket style match chatter and broader league analysis, Milan’s recruitment focus has continued. After securing Füllkrug on loan, the club’s interest in Mateta has not cooled, with the player himself keen on a Serie A challenge.
Mateta, 28, is another French striker, standing 192 centimeters tall and known for his physical presence and penalty-box authority. Consistency has been his calling card over the past three seasons. In 2023–24, he delivered 19 goals and five assists for Palace, followed by 17 goals and four assists the next year. This season, he has nine goals and two assists from 29 appearances. With 18 months left on his contract, he is eager to test himself at an elite club, and Milan have been tracking him since last summer, with mutual interest in an Italian move.
As BD Cricket narratives often underline how fine margins shape careers, Milan’s next steps hinge on two factors: whether Nkunku can sustain his resurgence and whether Crystal Palace are willing to negotiate in winter. One way or another, Mateta remains a strong candidate to arrive in Serie A by 2026. Beyond the striker question, Milan are also planning two additional reinforcements, targeting an experienced center-back to add stability and a versatile full-back capable of operating on either flank, injecting competition and depth across the defensive line.