AC Milan join race for Arnaut Danjuma

AC Milan have reportedly joined the hunt to sign Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma as a replacement for retired icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Feyenoord and Everton have recently established contact with the Yellow Submarine, but the Rossoneri have reached out to the player’s agent, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The two former interested parties have made in touch directly with the player, as Arne Slot and Sean Dyche held personal discussions with the 26-year-old to convince him to quit La Liga.

Milan have seemingly taken a different approach, contacting his agent to test the waters, with Stefano Pioli seeking another attacking reinforcement after snapping up Christian Pulisic from Chelsea.

Danjuma excelled in the 2021/22 campaign with Villarreal, bagging 16 goals and four assists in 34 competitive matches, but his form dwindled last season.

He looked troubled in the first half of the 2022/23 season, fluctuating between a starting role and the sidelines before heading for London to link up with Tottenham Hotspur on loan in January.

The temporary switch to the Premier League failed to help the Dutch forward reignite his career, as he scored only once in nine league appearances for Spurs.

Villarreal have opted for a sale this summer, putting the ex-Bournemouth star on the chopping block despite only recently sanctioning Nicolas Jackson’s transfer to Chelsea.

Milan have taken a first step to lure Danjuma away from the Estadio de la Ceramica, although Feyenoord and Everton may still spoil their plans.

Pioli was dissatisfied with Divock Origi’s form last season and wants a more reliable back-up for ageing star Olivier Giroud next term.

But the Rossoneri should watch out for Crystal Palace, who have recently displayed their interest in the Dutchman as they continue to chase Wilfried Zaha’s successor.

Milan have also enquired about Lyon whizz-kid Bradley Barcola, although beating Paris Saint-Germain to the teenager’s signature looks unlikely.