Milan list Gimenez for loan as Fiorentina and Lazio vie for the Argentine forward

AC Milan have placed Argentine forward Santiago Giménez on the market, confirming that both Fiorentina and Lazio have expressed concrete interest. The 25‑year‑old, who arrived from the United States on a free transfer last summer, told reporters that Fiorentina have already made contact and that Lazio’s pursuit is “strong”.

Developments across the clubs

During a post‑match interview, Giménez said, “Fiorentina have made contact, and Lazio have strong interest.”Yahoo Sports The remark was echoed by the Milan camp, which disclosed that the player is now available on a loan arrangement that includes an obligation to purchase at the end of the season.SempreMilan According to Milan’s sporting director, the club is prepared to let the striker leave on a deal that guarantees a future fee, a structure that would satisfy both the player’s desire for regular minutes and Milan’s financial planning.

Two Serie A sides have emerged as the main contenders. Fiorentina’s scouting department reportedly reached out to Milan’s hierarchy early in the summer window, expressing a “clear interest” in adding Giménez to a squad that is rebuilding after a disappointing campaign.OneFootball Lazio, meanwhile, has been described as having “strong interest” and has already contacted the player’s agent, according to a report from The Laziali.The Laziali

Goal.com adds that the crux of the negotiations hinges on the exact formula of the loan‑with‑obligation deal. Lazio’s representatives are said to be focusing on the purchase trigger clauses, while Fiorentina is reportedly more flexible on the loan fee but wants a guaranteed option to make the move permanent.Goal.com Milan, for its part, is said to be evaluating both offers against the backdrop of a crowded midfield and a forward line that includes the likes of Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud.

Why it matters

Giménez’s situation is emblematic of a broader shift in Milan’s transfer strategy. After splashing out on high‑profile signings such as Leão and Giroud, the Rossoneri have begun to balance the books by moving fringe players on loan with obligatory purchase clauses, a model that secures future income while freeing up squad space. For Milan, offloading Giménez could reduce the wage bill and open a slot for a younger prospect from the club’s academy.

For Fiorentina, acquiring Giménez would provide a much‑needed goal‑scoring option. The club struggled to replace the output of Dusan Vlahović last season, and a forward with proven Serie A experience could help them climb out of the lower half of the table. Lazio, on the other hand, is looking to bolster its attack after a season that saw a dip in goals from the front line. Adding Giménez would give manager Igor Tudor a versatile striker capable of playing across the front three.

The loan‑with‑obligation structure also reflects the financial realities of Serie A clubs post‑pandemic. By deferring the bulk of the transfer fee to the next season, both Fiorentina and Lazio can comply with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations while still competing for talent. This approach may become more common as clubs seek to manage cash flow without sacrificing competitiveness.

Differing viewpoints and reactions

Milan’s sporting director, who preferred to remain unnamed in the source, emphasized that the club’s priority is to secure a “fair and sustainable” deal. He noted that the player’s contract runs until 2026, giving Milan leverage in negotiations.SempreMilan Giménez, meanwhile, expressed a desire to play regularly, stating that he is “open to any project that gives me the chance to play week in, week out.”Yahoo Sports

Fiorentina’s technical staff, as reported by OneFootball, have praised Giménez’s “work ethic and ability to link play,” suggesting that he could fit well into their 4‑3‑3 system. Lazio’s interest, however, is framed by The Laziali as “strong” and “persistent,” with the club’s representatives having already spoken directly to the player’s agent to gauge his willingness to move.The Laziali

Goal.com points out a subtle rivalry: while both clubs need a striker, Fiorentina’s offer may be more straightforward, whereas Lazio appears to be negotiating a more complex formula that could involve performance‑based add‑ons. This divergence could influence Milan’s final decision, especially if one deal offers a higher guaranteed fee.

What’s next

The summer transfer window remains open until the end of August, and Milan are expected to finalize the loan agreement within weeks. If Fiorentina’s offer meets Milan’s financial expectations, the deal could be completed before the start of the new Serie A season, allowing Giménez to integrate during pre‑season. Conversely, if Lazio’s negotiations on the purchase trigger prove successful, a similar timeline could be achieved, though the added clauses may extend talks.

Both clubs are likely to submit formal proposals to Milan’s legal team, after which the player’s agent will weigh the sporting project against the financial terms. The final outcome will hinge on which side can align the loan fee, obligation trigger, and any add‑on clauses to satisfy Milan’s requirement for a “fair and sustainable” transfer.SempreMilan Regardless of the destination, Giménez’s move will be a key narrative in Serie A’s early‑season transfer saga.