AC Milan plan to sign Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko as a replacement for Theo Hernandez, according to Corriere dello Sport (page 13).
The Rossoneri are poised to part ways with Hernandez in the coming days. The Frenchman has been convinced to join Al-Hilal after several rounds of negotiations. A transfer could be finalised soon.
Milan have earmarked Zinchenko as the ideal successor, and Corriere dello Sport claim that he could be prised away from the Gunners for £17 million, given his reduced playing time and contract status.
Zinchenko’s high wages are a concern for the Rossoneri, but the Ukrainian is prepared to spread his salary over several seasons to relaunch his career. An offer could be made after Hernandez departs.
Arsenal poised to part ways with Zinchenko
The 28-year-old was one of the leading performers for Arsenal during his debut season in 2022/23.
He has since fallen down the pecking order under manager Mikel Arteta. He is presently the third-choice left-back in the squad behind Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori.
Zinchenko has impressed with his distribution and inverted runs, but opposition attackers have capitalised on his reduced mobility and inability to make quicker recoveries.
The Ukrainian has featured in central midfield for his country on many occasions, but Arteta has rarely played him there. With just a year left on his contract, it makes sense to part ways with him.
The Gunners signed Zinchenko for £30m from Manchester City three years ago, but the club are unlikely to recoup such a fee, given his reduced role and the length of the contract left.
£17m would be a reasonable package for his departure. Milan should easily afford the figure, considering they are set to receive £25.7m from Hernandez’s switch to the Saudi Pro League.
The Serie A is less intense and more tactical than the Premier League. Zinchenko should emerge as a solid acquisition for the Rossoneri.
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