Relentless speculation has linked the Roma forward with a move away from the Italian capital, with reports suggesting the Rossoneri are keen to secure his services.

January 2015 was supposed to be a turning point for AC Milan. A new year, a fresh start. After two impressive performances in December last year against Napoli and Roma respectively, signs of progression for boss Filippo Inzaghi’s men were beginning to become patent.

However, following the mid-season break in Serie A, the Rossoneri have not been able to recapture that auspicious form. Despite a surprising 4-2 friendly win over the recently crowned Club World Cup champions Real Madrid, little should be taken from the match. And if anything it arguably served more as a hindrance than a benefit in preparation for the ensuing match against Sassuolo.

It was a lacklustre performance and fatigue may have been the reason behind such a weary showing in a game they were expected to claim all three points. The hosts lost the match 2-1 to the Neroverdi, after surrendering an early lead – endangering their already slim chances of finishing in the top three.

A week later away to Torino, a Milan side – reduced to 10-men – again dropped points in a 1-1 draw. Jeremy Menez netted his ninth goal of the season from the penalty spot, but Torino’s persistence eventually paid off and were rewarded with an 81st minute equaliser.

The goal that the Milan based outfit conceded was their eighth from set-pieces this season which is no doubt a cause for concern for Inzaghi. So it begs the question why are not the Rossoneri attempting to acquire a centre-back instead of another striker?

Multiple sources are reporting Roma’s Mattia Destro could be on his way to the club, but there really is no need, especially following the recent arrival of Alessio Cerci. While it may appear Milan are struggling in the goal department, they have scored 27 goals in Serie A. Menez has scored nine, albeit five have derived from penalties, while Keisuke Honda has 6. Far from a crisis. Only four teams have scored more and it is no coincidence those teams lie in the top four.

Besides, Destro’s statistics during this season have been far from prolific. Four goals in 13 league matches is not great and it means Milan would be taking a gamble just like they did with Fernando Torres. Milan do not have that sort of time if they want to return to the Champions League as soon as possible.

Under Inzaghi, Milan have rarely played with an out-and-out striker, deploying Menez in the ‘false 9’ position instead. Forward Giampaolo Pazzini has not started a game so far and therefore if the Rossoneri were to purchase Destro where exactly would he play? It may trigger a change in formation, though that seems unlikely – particularly half-way during the campaign.

Perhaps Menez would move to the wing, given he is not a complete striker. But that would mean two to three key players in Cerci, Honda or Stephan El Shaarawy and possibly Giacomo Bonaventura would find themselves on the bench every week. Certainly not ideal. Milan fans have been praying for El Shaarawy to hit form and although that is yet to happen, he nevertheless remains integral to the Diavolo’s success going forward. Meanwhile Honda’s performances have been encouraging and if he has a productive Asian Cup, he can hopefully translate that form with the Rossoneri when he returns.

While signing a world-class striker would assist the team, the real problem lies in defence. A lack of concentration at the back has been synonymous with AC Milan, since the departures of Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva. This season alone the defence has yielded a staggering 21 goals with as mentioned eight coming from set-pieces.

Any money the Rossoneri have should be used to attract a young established centre-back. Adil Rami has been solid and recently Philippe Mexes, however the latter has been far from convincing during his time with Milan and not to mention he is 32. Alex is also the same age, while Cristian Zapata has also struggled for consistency.

Manchester City’s Matija Nastasic or Palermo’s Ezequiel Munoz have reportedly been monitored by Milan. However, a move for Munoz, 24, appears more likely to occur and would complement the more experienced Rami in central defence. The Argentine joined the Sicilians in 2010 and has amassed over 100 appearances for the side.

Acquiring 23-year-old Destro would be a fantastic piece of business if the Rossoneri actually played with a striker, but the concession of goals must be addressed first, in the heart-of-defence. As he is not the answer to Milan’s poor form.