AC Milan's pursuit of a world-class striker has narrowed to one audacious target: Robert Lewandowski. Reports from both Italy and Spain confirm that the Rossoneri hierarchy has intensified contact with the entourage of the Barcelona veteran, Pini Zahavi, as they plot one of the most significant free transfers in recent Serie A history.
The key to this deal? Patience, a calculated strategy, and the significant influence of one club legend: Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Strategy: The 'Modric Model'
AC Milan's interest is centered on securing Lewandowski, who turns 38 next summer, as a free agent in June 2026.
This is a deliberate tactic, mirroring the successful acquisition of another veteran superstar: Luka Modrić, who joined Milan after his Real Madrid contract expired.
Financial Reality: Lewandowski's current gross salary at Barcelona is reportedly around €33 million (£28m), a figure Milan simply cannot match. The core objective of the recent talks with Zahavi is to lay the groundwork for a significant salary reduction, with Milan preparing a competitive, long-term offer (likely a two-year deal).
The Player's Desire: Reports indicate that Lewandowski has rejected moves to the Saudi Pro League and Turkey (Fenerbahce),
confirming his strong desire to continue playing at the highest level in European football. This dedication gives Milan hope that the lure of a top Serie A side can trump massive wages elsewhere.
Fixing the Flaw: Despite a decent attack, Milan have struggled for a consistent, elite number nine since the departure of Olivier Giroud. Lewandowski is seen as the immediate and guaranteed answer to their goalscoring problems.
The Ibrahimovic Factor
The operation has a powerful internal champion: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Now a senior advisor to RedBird Capital, Ibrahimovic reportedly views Lewandowski as the perfect spiritual and quality successor to himself.
Zlatan's impact in pushing for the move is twofold:
Guiding the Young Core: Ibrahimovic sees Lewandowski not just as a scorer, but as an invaluable reference point in the dressing room who can mentor Milan's young talents, like Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic, on what it takes to win major trophies.
The Proof of Concept: Zlatan himself had an immense impact on Milan's recent title win despite his age. The club believes Lewandowski possesses the same elite professionalism and dedication to thrive into his late 30s.
The Roadblocks
While talks are progressing, the transfer remains complicated, especially if Milan were to push for a shock January move:
Barcelona's Stance: Barcelona's financial woes mean they are reluctant to lose a high-profile asset for free. However, they are also actively considering a successor (with names like Harry Kane linked), which suggests they may be open to moving Lewandowski on if his form dips or they need to reduce the wage bill.
Player Reluctance: Lewandowski has publicly stated he is in "no hurry" to decide his future and wants to evaluate all options later in the campaign.
AC Milan is positioning itself perfectly, preparing a comprehensive two-year strategy that bypasses the need for a transfer fee and exploits the player's desire to remain in Europe. If they can solve the salary puzzle, the sight of Lewandowski in the famous red and black could become a reality in 2026.
Can AC Milan really pull off the signing of Robert Lewandowski, and would he still dominate Serie A at 38?