FC Schalke 04 among Bundesliga teams linked to young Milan striker

FC Schalke 04 look poised to send a few strikers out on loan this winter, but they could add a notable name to their squad, too.

Ahmed Kutucu and Rabbi Matondo have a world of potential as forwards for FC Schalke 04 under flourishing manager David Wagner. Kutucu has even come up big this season by creating late goals, including finishing off a clutch daisy-cutter to rescue a point against SC Freiburg before the holiday break. And Benito Raman has been a true breakout star, providing copious goal contributions since his return from injury in the Fall.

However, Schalke aren’t done retooling their lineup at the forward position. Steven Skrzybski, Mark Uth, and Fabian Reese are all candidates to go out on loan. Skryzbski looks like a slam-dunk to head to relegation candidates Fortuna Dusseldorf, while the struggling Uth should head to FC Köln if the MRI on his adductor injury turns out OK.

But Schalke also have their eyes on acquiring a young striker at the winter transfer window. Real Madrid’s Mariano Diaz is the dream option among potential loan signings, but if they want to buy someone outright, then a name from AC Milan has emerged.

SpazioMilan.it have linked Schalke to 24-year-old striker Krzysztof Piatek, who could be on his way out of Milan in order to recoup funds and space for Zlatan Ibrahimovic‘s reunion. Piatek is one of the most highly-regarded young strikers in Serie A, even though he’s fell short on expectations this season.

The Poland international has scored only four goals this season, but even his down year has been better than Uth’s down year. If Piatek joins a new team, perhaps he can reach his full potential with a change in scenery, much like Schalke hope a loan deal to a side like Köln can coax the most out of a healthy Uth.

However, the Royal Blues aren’t the only team in the Bundesliga linked to Piatek, as Milan would reportedly prefer to sell him outside Serie A.

Bundesliga favorites RB Leipzig, TSG Hoffenheim, and Peter Bosz’s aggressive attack-minded Bayer Leverkusen have all been linked. Leipzig already have two top forwards in Yusuf Poulsen and leading goal-scorer candidate Timo Werner, while Bayer have the duo of Kevin Volland and Lucas Alario. Schalke have plenty of talent and should rate both Matondo and Kutucu above Piatek, so a permanent deal may not be in their best interests.

But a loan deal with an option to buy could intrigue Schalke, especially if they choose to replace veterans Guido Burgstaller and Uth with the younger, more exciting Piatek.