Arsenal’s busy summer transfer window is continuing but it now looks like boss Mikel Arteta can expect to lose two of his stars, with AC Milan chiefs flying out for talks
AC Milan are lining up a double move for Arsenal duo Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior. The Serie A side sacked Sérgio Conceição earlier this summer after a miserable season that saw them finish eighth in the Italian top-flight.
That meant they missed out on any European football, having been beaten in the Coppa Italia final by Bologna. Former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has taken charge and is being tasked with taking the team back to the top of Italian football.
Having spent £104million over the past two transfer windows, the Rossoneri will be again looking to spend. Manchester City’s Kyle Walker was linked with a permanent move to the San Siro.
That no longer appears likely to happen though, with Milan now searching for other targets. It appears that Arsenal will be bracing for interest in two of their players as Milan embark on that search.
Milan are looking to bolster their defensive options in principle, having conceded 43 times in Serie A last season. That was the second most in the top eight, a key reason why they finished so far down the table.
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According to Gazzetta dello Sports, Milan are looking at Zinchenko and Kiwior to deal with those defensive issues. Milan are said to have sent an emissary to hold talks with Gunners chiefs on Tuesday.
Zinchenko and Kiwior were the subject of those discussions, with Milan focusing on defence at the start of the window. With Theo Hernandez not in Allegri’s plans, signing a left-back has become a priority.
To replace him, Milan have landed on Zinchenko as their top target. The Ukrainian has fallen down the pecking order at the Gunners, meaning a move away from the Emirates could be welcomed by his camp.
It is also expected that the 28-year-old would be available for less than £15million, with his contract expiring next summer. Zinchenko would also be unlikely to demand a high salary, another positive for Milan.
Other names are on their shopping list, though Zinchenko is currently the top target. Milan are also looking to improve their options at centre-back, leading them to Kiwior’s door.
A number of players are expected to depart Milan, making a new central defender a neccessity. Kiwior is a popular target for San Siro chiefs due to his versatility and his previous experience of Serie A.
His time in the Poland team and being a regular squad player for Arsenal also make him attractive. Again, while there are other candidates, the Polish international is currently at the top of Milan’s shopping list.
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