Real Betis are considering loan moves for Milan forward Santiago Gimenez and Nottingham Forest striker Muinga as the club prioritises strengthening its attack, according to Sport.
The Spanish club are seeking a new number nine and have identified Gimenez and Muinga as their leading options, although both deals would present financial and sporting challenges.
Gimenez, 25, joined Milan in February 2025 and is under contract at San Siro until 30 June 2029. The Mexico international, who also has Italian citizenship, is valued at about €18m and would not take up a non-EU place in Real Betis’ La Liga squad.
The 1.80m striker is predominantly left-footed. Before moving to Milan, he scored 65 goals in 105 appearances for Feyenoord and helped the Dutch club win the Eredivisie title, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most prominent young forwards.
His position at Milan has led to interest from elsewhere, with Porto also monitoring the player. Gimenez’s opportunities in Italy are expected to become even more limited following the arrival of Goncalo Ramos.
Real Betis have placed the Mexican ahead of several other attacking targets, but a loan agreement would still be difficult to complete.
Muinga is another forward under consideration. He is valued for his movement, willingness to run into space and instincts inside the penalty area.
The forward is due to return to Nottingham Forest after spending the second half of the season on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt. Forest signed him from Rennes in August 2025 for a fee close to €30m, and he has a contract with the club until 30 June 2030.
Muinga is valued at about €25m, although some assessments put his worth above €30m. That valuation means Real Betis are exploring a loan rather than a permanent transfer, according to Andalucia Post.
The 1.78m right-footed attacker has continued to improve his scoring record. He scored 18 goals in all competitions for Rennes during the 2024-25 season, including 17 in Ligue 1. In 2025-26, he scored twice for an English club in the Europa League before joining Eintracht Frankfurt in January, where he netted six goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances.
Real Betis also admire Kevin Denkey, but the cost of a deal has complicated that pursuit. FC Cincinnati are demanding a high fee, while Hull City are understood to have taken the lead in the race with an offer close to €20m. Betis have not abandoned their interest, but are examining alternative options including Gimenez and Muinga.
Franculino Dju is also highly rated by the club, although a move from Midtjylland would be expensive. Saudi clubs have already made offers of €35m for the player.
Other names have been discussed but are not currently being pursued. Real Betis have not contacted Christopher Nkunku, whose net annual salary of €6m would make an agreement extremely difficult. Jovan Milosevic is not being considered either.
Moise Kean remains another player admired by the Spanish side. Betis have made enquiries about the Italy international, but Fiorentina’s asking price of about €40m is beyond their current means. Andalucia Post reports that general contact between the two parties continues, although there has been no significant progress. Betis are nevertheless keeping Kean in mind.
Mathys Tel was also included on the club’s shortlist. Real Betis could attempt to take the French forward on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, who will not play in European competition next season. That situation could make Spurs more open to a temporary move, allowing Tel to gain regular football and increase his value under Manuel Pellegrini.
The transfer window remains open and Betis continue to search for a striker. Gimenez and Muinga are currently the main candidates, while Denkey and Franculino Dju are also well positioned. Kean and Tel remain on the list but would be more difficult to sign.
Finding a number nine is now the most urgent task for sporting director Manu Fajardo’s team. The additional income generated by the sale of Nobel Mendy has accelerated the club’s work in the position, and completing a deal in the coming days would give Real Betis a significant attacking reinforcement.
