Drooid Logo
Back to story perspectives

Full Breakdown

Santiago Gimenez Remains at AC Milan Amid Transfer Speculation

9/2/2025, 1:50:52 PM

Negotiations Between Milan and Roma Stalled

The summer transfer window for Serie A concluded with Santiago Gimenez's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, announcing via social media that the Mexican striker will remain at AC Milan. This decision comes after extensive discussions regarding a potential loan swap deal involving Artem Dovbyk moving from AS Roma to Milan. Despite initial optimism, the negotiations ultimately reached a standstill, with no agreement finalized before the transfer deadline.

Background of the Proposed Deal

The proposed exchange involved Gimenez, who joined Milan from Feyenoord in February 2025 for €32 million plus add-ons, and Dovbyk, who had been with Roma since the previous summer. Both players were reportedly out of their respective teams' plans, prompting the clubs to explore a swap that would benefit both parties. However, differing expectations regarding the terms of the deal complicated the negotiations. Roma's director, Frederic Massara, sought a buyout option, while Milan's management preferred a straightforward loan arrangement.

Official Statements & Responses

Pimenta's announcement on Instagram, which included a message supporting Gimenez's commitment to Milan, effectively ended speculation about his departure. She stated, “Maybe it’s because we support Gimenez x AC Milan,” reinforcing the player's intention to stay. Gimenez himself echoed this sentiment with a post featuring the colors of Milan, indicating his preference to remain at San Siro.

Criticism & Opposition

Despite the clarity provided by Gimenez's agent, some critics have pointed out the missed opportunity for both players to explore new environments. The failure to finalize the deal has left Roma without a replacement for Dovbyk, who has been sidelined in recent matches. Additionally, the inability to secure a new striker has raised concerns about Roma's attacking depth for the upcoming season.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

While the negotiations were ongoing, reports indicated that Chelsea had also shown interest in Gimenez, potentially complicating the situation further. However, the lack of a definitive agreement between Milan and Roma ultimately rendered these discussions moot. The absence of a clear resolution has left both clubs in a precarious position as they head into the new season without the desired reinforcements.

What's Next for Both Clubs

With the transfer window closed, both AC Milan and AS Roma will need to reassess their strategies moving forward. Milan, having lost several key players, will rely heavily on Gimenez to lead their attack, especially in the absence of European competition. Meanwhile, Roma will need to find alternative solutions to bolster their squad, as the failure to secure a new striker could impact their performance in the Serie A campaign.

In summary, the anticipated swap deal between Santiago Gimenez and Artem Dovbyk has collapsed, leaving both players at their current clubs as the summer transfer window closes.