Milan accelerates negotiations to sign Mateo Retegui, the top scorer of the last Serie A season, as a priority for the summer 2025 transfer window. The Milan-based club aims to strengthen its attack after a disappointing season, finishing eighth in the Italian championship and missing out on European competitions. With only one senior striker in the squad, Mexican Santiago Gimenez, the Rossoneri see the Atalanta player as the solution to reclaim their prominence. However, the operation faces challenges: the high fee demanded by Atalanta and competition from giants like Juventus. The absence of continental tournaments may also complicate negotiations, but Milan is determined to invest in the Italian-born player with Argentine roots.
The summer transfer window promises to be busy for the club, which needs to rebuild its squad under the guidance of coach Massimiliano Allegri. Retegui, 26, stood out with 28 goals and 9 assists in 49 games in the 2024/25 season, numbers that placed him at the top of Milan’s wish list. Below, we detail the reasons behind this choice, the financial and strategic challenges, and the impact the player could bring to the club.
Interest in Retegui is not new in Italian football. After joining Atalanta in August 2024 for €20.9 million, the striker quickly became a key piece in Gian Piero Gasperini’s system. His finishing ability and movement on the pitch have made him one of the most coveted players in Serie A.
- Key attractions of Retegui for Milan:
- Top scorer in Serie A 2024/25 with 28 goals.
- Versatility to play as a center-forward or in more withdrawn roles.
- Experience in high-level competitions, including the Champions League.
- Italian nationality, facilitating integration into the squad.
Why Retegui is the right choice
Milan is undergoing a transitional period. The 2024/25 season was marked by below-par results, with the team finishing outside the European qualification zone. The need for a reliable striker has become urgent, especially after the end of Tammy Abraham’s loan, who returns to Roma, and uncertainty over Luka Jovic’s contract renewal. The board, led by Giorgio Furlani, is betting on Retegui not only for his goal-scoring ability but also for his potential leadership on the pitch.
Choosing a player already adapted to Italian football reflects a strategy to minimize risks. Unlike international signings like Gimenez, who is still seeking consistency in Serie A, Retegui has already proven his mastery of the championship. His journey, from Genoa to Atalanta, shows steady progress, with impressive numbers and decisive performances in key matches.
Moreover, Retegui’s profile aligns with the new playing style Allegri aims to implement. The coach, known for his pragmatic tactical approach, values strikers who combine physical presence with tactical intelligence, qualities the Italian possesses. The expectation is that the player can form a dynamic duo with Gimenez, creating a versatile and lethal attack.
Financial challenges in the negotiation
Atalanta, aware of their star player’s value, will not make the transfer easy. The Bergamo club, competing in the Champions League, sees Retegui as a cornerstone for the next season. The initial asking price is estimated to be between €40 and €50 million, a steep figure for a Milan side without European competition revenue.
The club’s financial situation demands creativity. One possibility is including players in the deal to lower the cost, though Atalanta has so far been inflexible. Competition with Juventus, also monitoring the striker, adds pressure to Milan, which needs to act swiftly to secure the signing.
Another hurdle is Retegui’s preference. Rising stars like him often prioritize clubs in continental competitions. Without the Champions League, Milan will need to convince the striker with a solid sporting project and an attractive contract.
Retegui’s Serie A track record
Born in Argentina but naturalized Italian, Mateo Retegui built his career in Italy with notable spells at Genoa and Atalanta. His move to European football came after shining at Boca Juniors, where he was developed. In 2023, Genoa invested in his potential, and the striker delivered with goals and consistent performances.
At Atalanta, Retegui reached another level. Under Gasperini’s guidance, he became the Serie A top scorer, surpassing names like Dusan Vlahovic and Lautaro Martínez. His ability to score in various situations—headers, long-range shots, or inside-the-box plays—has made him a complete player.
- Standout moments from the 2024/25 season:
- Hat-trick against Bologna in April 2025, in Atalanta’s 4-1 victory.
- Decisive goal against Juventus in March 2025, securing a draw in Turin.
- Two goals in a 3-0 win over Lecce in April 2025.
- Contribution to 37 goal involvements (goals and assists) in 49 games.
Milan’s transfer market strategy
Beyond Retegui, Milan is monitoring other names to strengthen the squad. The departure of Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City for €55 million brought financial resources but also the need to reinforce the midfield. The arrival of Luka Modric, formerly of Real Madrid, is another move that showcases the club’s ambition to blend experience and youth.
In attack, the board is considering backup options should the Retegui deal fall through. Names like Jonathan David from Lille and Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United have been mentioned, but the focus remains on the Italian. The strategy is clear: invest in players who can elevate the team’s level immediately, without requiring long adaptation periods.
Competition with Juventus
Juventus emerges as the main rival in the race for Retegui. The Turin club, considering Dusan Vlahovic’s potential departure, sees the Atalanta striker as the ideal replacement. Italian media report that the Old Lady has already initiated talks with the player’s entourage, increasing the urgency for Milan.
Unlike Milan, Juventus will compete in the Champions League, which could be a deciding factor in the negotiation. However, recent instability in the club’s coaching staff and uncertainties about their sporting project may favor the Rossoneri, who offer Retegui the chance to be the primary attacking reference.
Planning for the season
Milan views the 2025/26 season as a turning point for its rebuilding process. After a lackluster year, the pressure for results is high. Signing Retegui is seen as a critical step toward this goal, but not the only one. The board is working to reinforce other positions, such as left-back, where Junior Firpo from Leeds United is a target.
The fans, meanwhile, have high expectations. The San Siro, known for its vibrant atmosphere, hopes to see a competitive team capable of challenging for the Serie A title and returning to Europe’s elite. Retegui’s potential arrival fuels this optimism, but the coming months will be decisive in finalizing the deal.
Importance of a revamped attack
Milan’s recent history shows that the club’s success is closely tied to the quality of its attack. Legends like Marco van Basten, Andriy Shevchenko, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic left their mark with goals and titles. While Retegui is not yet at their level, he has the potential to follow in their footsteps.
His ability to decide games in crucial moments is one of the main reasons Milan is interested. Last season, the team struggled with the lack of a reliable finisher, leading to stumbles against direct rivals. With Retegui, the club hopes to address this weakness and compete at the highest level again.
Ongoing negotiations
Talks between Milan and Atalanta are expected to intensify in the coming weeks. The transfer window, open until September 1, gives the club time to structure its proposal. The board plans meetings with the player’s representatives and the Bergamo club to align financial and contractual details.
Meanwhile, Retegui remains focused on Atalanta’s pre-season. His performances in July friendlies will be closely watched by scouts from Milan and Juventus, who aim to confirm whether the investment is worth the risk. The final decision, however, will depend on a combination of factors: the transfer fee, the player’s wishes, and the project presented by the clubs.
