With two Arsenal defenders clearly in their sights, AC Milan are moving forward with their summer recruiting strategies. Negotiating to bring Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior, the Italian giants are trying to strengthen their defensive unit before the start of the new Serie A campaign. Both players have battled for regular playing time under Mikel Arteta. A transfer might give them a much-needed new beginning.
Italian reports say AC Milan representatives recently traveled to London to start talks with the Gunners on possible contracts for the pair. Milan is getting ready for a hectic transfer window, with defensive adjustments expected. Malick Thiaw is also likely to go; Theo Hernandez keeps being in contact with Atletico Madrid. As a result, the Rossoneri have decided that Kiwior and Zinchenko will suit as replacement.
Milan Pursue Underused Defenders
The interest in these Arsenal defenders occurs at a pivotal moment in their careers. Having signed for the Gunners from Manchester City in July 2022, Zinchenko had a difficult 2024–25 season. The Ukrainian’s influence dwindled even though he began his first season strong; last season he logged only 789 minutes across 23 matches. Defensive inconsistencies and injuries have caused him to lag behind other full-back choices.
Signed from Spezia in January 2023, Kiwior has enjoyed a mixed spell at the Emirates. Making 30 appearances and over 2,000 minutes across all leagues last season, the 25-year-old Polish international stood out more prominently than Zinchenko. However, his game time mostly relied on team rotation or injuries to Gabriel Magalhães. Kiwior was mostly used as a backup or out of place left-back when the Brazilian was available.
With the few starting opportunities available for both players, Milan sees a great opportunity to hire two experienced but still-evolving defenders. Hernandez is seen as a direct replacement; Kiwior may deepen the left or fit the core gap left by Thiaw. Milan’s incoming manager Paulo Fonseca, who values tactical flexibility, finds their capacity to work in several positions especially appealing.
Players Open to Exit as Arsenal Reshape
For both the Arsenal defenders, the summer window may prove crucial. Through intermediaries, Zinchenko has supposedly been pitched to several Serie A teams, suggesting that his agents are actively searching for a new challenge. Still with much to give at 28, the Ukrainian could flourish in a less physically demanding league where his technical ability and vision could shine.
Having established himself in Serie A with Spezia, Kiwior is supposed to be also open to a return to Italy. Though Arsenal initially discussed a contract extension, the Polish international seems ready to accept a more significant position elsewhere. Milan would provide both familiar ground and the possibility of more frequent starts, especially if their defensive reshuffle continues.
Arsenal sees the possible exits fit in with their general transfer plan. Space in the roster is limited as Jurrien Timber recovers from injury and other young defenders rise to the fore. Moving from Zinchenko and Kiwior might free up salaries and let the club go after reinforcements or advance internal options like Lino Sousa or Reuell Walters.
Although no agreement has been made yet, the continuing negotiations indicate that Milan is serious about finishing the double deal. Both players are seasoned at the highest level and have Champions League experience;. Hence, they would be useful additions for a club trying to win the Serie A championship.
A summer move could be in cards as AC Milan circle two out-of-favour Arsenal defenders. Milan’s desire for reinforcement and both players’ want of more minutes suggest that the action might help everyone.
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