Christian Pulisic has seen major roster changes at AC Milan ahead of the 2025-26 season, including the blockbuster arrival of Luka Modric on a free transfer. Now, with less than two weeks left in the summer transfer window, Milan’s search for a new striker has intensified, and now the Rossoneri have made a final call on Victor Boniface as they look to bolster their attack.
In recent weeks, Milan had been negotiating with Bayer Leverkusen to bring in Boniface on an initial season-long loan with an option to buy. The Nigerian striker even traveled to Italy for medicals, with only the contract left to sign, before a last-minute twist changed his future.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan decided against completing the move after concerns arose during Boniface’s medical. Doctors flagged issues with the striker’s right knee, which had previously undergone surgery following two ACL injuries. That assessment proved to be the turning point, ultimately leading the club to walk away from the deal.
Along with high-profile exits such as Theo Hernandez to Al Hilal and Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City, Milan have also parted ways with several forwards. Noah Okafor, Tammy Abraham, Luka Jovic, Alvaro Morata, Francesco Camarda, and Lorenzo Colombo all left this summer, with the latter two departing on loan.
At the moment, Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, and Samuel Chukwueze are the only healthy attacking options. Rafael Leao is sidelined after suffering an injury in the Coppa Italia’s opening round last week. With options thin and Boniface no longer in play, Milan’s striker search is expected to accelerate.
Conrad Harder moving closer to Milan
After pulling the plug on Boniface, Milan quickly turned their attention back to a previous target. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Rossoneri are now in advanced talks to sign Conrad Harder from Sporting Lisbon.
Stade Rennes had been pushing for the striker and reached an agreement with the player, but Milan have since gained the upper hand. The Italian side are prepared to pay €24 million plus €3 million in add-ons for the Danish forward.
Sky Sports also reports that sporting director Igli Tare wants to bring in another striker in addition to Harder. That was already the plan before the Boniface collapse, and with the Nigerian off the table, Milan now aim to add at least two forwards to partner with Pulisic and Gimenez up front.