Oleksandr Zinchenko injury
Image credit: Getty Images
AC Milan are preparing a double raid on Arsenal as they step up efforts to signOleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior during the summer transfer window.
Following a disappointing eighth-place finish in Serie A last season, newly reappointed manager Massimiliano Allegri is focused on reinforcing his defensive options, with Zinchenko and Kiwior emerging as top targets. Zinchenko has been identified as a potential replacement for Theo Hernandez, who is in talks over a move to Atletico Madrid after rejecting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.
According toGazzetta dello Sport, a AC Milan representative met with Arsenal officials on Tuesday to discuss Zinchenko’s availability. Talks also extended to the potential signing of Kiwior, as the Rossoneri prepare for the likely departure of Malick Thiaw, who is in negotiations to join Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
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Kiwior, who joined Arsenal from Spezia in January 2023, has largely served as a squad player under Mikel Arteta but stepped up impressively in April after Gabriel Magalhães suffered a hamstring injury. The Polish defender started Arsenal’s final eight Premier League games and featured in all four Champions League knockout matches against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal - Jakub Kiwior - AC Milan
Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior (Image credit: Getty Images)
Despite his contributions, Arsenal are reportedly exploring options to strengthen their centre-back department, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi among those being considered. It remains unclear whether Arteta will sanction Kiwior’s departure, given the defender’s growing importance.
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Meanwhile, Zinchenko endured a difficult 2024/25 season, starting just five Premier League matches due to injuries and increased competition from breakout star Myles Lewis-Skelly and summer arrival Riccardo Calafiori. AC Milan believe they could land the Ukraine international for under €15 million, but his £150,000-a-week wages could prove a stumbling block.
The Rossoneri’s interest in Arsenal players comes as part of a broader squad revamp led by Allegri, who is seeking versatile, experienced options to fit his tactical plans. Zinchenko’s ability to operate as a left-back, midfielder, or wing-back, and Kiwior’s Serie A experience and defensive flexibility, make them ideal fits.
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