January is shaping up to be a defining month for West Ham United.
Sitting 18th in the Premier League and staring down a genuine relegation threat, Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to oversee a significant squad reshuffle.
On the incoming front, the Hammers are heavily linked with at least one new striker after a disastrous lack of goals, while a winger and a centre-back are also believed to be on the agenda — with Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell the latest name to emerge.
But it won’t just be arrivals. Outgoings are also expected as Nuno looks to trim the squad and move on players who simply haven’t delivered.
Now, one of West Ham’s most expensive signings is attracting interest from one of Europe’s elite clubs.
AC Milan Eyeing Fullkrug
AC Milan are reportedly exploring a January move for West Ham striker Niclas Füllkrug, as they look to reinforce their forward line during the winter window.
According to the Daily Mail, per Football Whispers, the Serie A giants are among several clubs monitoring the German international’s situation in east London.
The Rossoneri are said to be in the market for a striker amid ongoing issues in attack, a situation made worse by Santiago Giménez’s injury problems and uncertainty over whether surgery will be required on his ankle.
As a result, Milan have begun surveying alternative options — with Füllkrug now firmly on their radar.
Competition could be stiff, however, with Bundesliga clubs also believed to be tracking the 32-year-old, including Wolfsburg.
Despite that interest, West Ham are reportedly open to listening to offers, although they are understood to want to recoup as much of their £27 million outlay as possible in order to reinvest in January.
Füllkrug arrived at the London Stadium with high expectations following a strong spell at Borussia Dortmund and an impressive showing at Euro 2024 with Germany.
Once described as “excellent” by Ally McCoist, the striker was expected to add goals and experience to the Hammers’ attack.
Instead, his time in England has been plagued by injuries and a severe drop in form. He managed just three goals across all competitions last season and has yet to find the net at all this campaign, quickly falling out of favour under Nuno.
If West Ham can recover a significant portion of their investment, a January exit for Füllkrug feels increasingly logical. The move has never quite worked, and with goals desperately needed, freeing up funds and wages for a better fit could prove vital in the fight to stay up.
