Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
AC Milan have seen their hopes of bringing Riccardo Calafiori back to Serie A dashed after Arsenal rejected an initial inquiry for the Italian defender, according to The Mirror’s chief football writer, John Cross.
The 23-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Bologna in July 2024 for £42 million, has quickly impressed in his debut Premier League season. Calafiori scored crucial goals against Manchester City, Wolves, and PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, and despite suffering injuries that sidelined him for over 120 days, his assured performances at both centre-back and left-back have earned him praise from manager Mikel Arteta.
Milan, under the direction of newly appointed sporting director Igli Tare, had identified Calafiori as a key piece in their defensive rebuild, especially with Theo Hernandez potentially departing this summer. But Arsenal are not entertaining offers for the defender, and Calafiori himself is said to be determined to stay in London and prove himself in the Premier League.
READ MORE: Bayern Munich plotting to snatch another Arsenal transfer target
“AC Milan made an enquiry for Riccardo Calafiori, but were rebuffed by Arsenal,” Cross wrote. “The Italy defender also wants to stay in London. That is why Milan are now pursuing a move for Oleksandr Zinchenko.”
Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori (Image credit: Getty Images)
With Calafiori off the table, Milan have now shifted focus to 28-year-old Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has found himself on the fringes of Arteta’s plans. The Ukrainian has made just 18 appearances this season, 12 at left-back and six in midfield and has slipped down the pecking order following the emergence of 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly and Calafiori’s arrival.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Although Zinchenko presents a more attainable target, his £150,000-a-week wages are proving to be a stumbling block for Milan. The Rossoneri are reportedly “determined to push to get the deal done,” but financial limitations mean they may need to negotiate a compromise on salary or structure the deal creatively.
Calafiori’s rejection marks a second missed opportunity for Milan, who had previously considered signing him in 2023 as a deputy to Hernandez, but backed away due to Basel’s insistence on a mandatory purchase clause. His rise at Arsenal where he still has more than four years remaining on his contract has left Milan rueing what might have been. The Italian international has drawn comparisons to Sergio Ramos and John Stones for his blend of composure, defensive discipline, and technical skill.
NEXT ARTICLE: AC Milan sporting director in London to negotiate deal for Arsenal star