AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare was in London earlier this week to open negotiations with Arsenal over a potential move for a player.
AC Milan have opened negotiations with Arsenal over a potential move for Oleksandr Zinchenko, with sporting director Igli Tare reportedly travelling to London earlier this week to meet with Gunners officials, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Serie A club are eyeing a move for the Ukrainian international as they brace for the possible departure of Theo Hernandez, who has been strongly linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid. Milan, now managed by Massimiliano Allegri, are seeking defensive reinforcements following a disappointing 2024/25 season, in which they conceded over 40 goals for the third consecutive campaign and finished eighth in the league.
Zinchenko, 28, joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £32 million but has fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta. The emergence of academy prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly and the summer arrival of Riccardo Calafiori have limited Zinchenko’s playing time, with the Ukrainian making just five Premier League starts this past season. Jurrien Timber’s return from injury has further reduced Zinchenko’s opportunities, and with just one year left on his contract, Arsenal are open to offers. A fee in the region of €15 million (£12.75 million) has been suggested.
Tare’s visit on Tuesday was reportedly focused on gauging Zinchenko’s availability, though talks also included discussions over Jakub Kiwior, with Milan interested in a potential double deal. While Arsenal are more open to parting with Zinchenko, Kiwior is believed to be a less likely departure, having impressed during the latter stages of the season as cover for Gabriel Magalhães.
Zinchenko’s experience and technical ability make him a desirable candidate for AC Milan, particularly given his comfort in possession-based systems. He has also expressed interest in a new challenge, with Football Italia reporting that he is keen on a move to San Siro.
However, the Ukrainian’s wages could prove a stumbling block. Zinchenko earns around £150,000 a week at Arsenal, roughly €5 million per season, posing a challenge for Milan’s wage structure. According to Di Marzio, talks have resumed but his salary remains a “major obstacle.” Nevertheless, sources suggest that a compromise may be possible if all parties are willing to negotiate.
Zinchenko, a four-time Premier League champion with Manchester City and current captain of Ukraine, offers versatility as both a left-back and central midfielder. His leadership and tactical intelligence are viewed as assets by AC Milan as they look to rebuild their squad and return to European competition.
For Arsenal, a potential sale would free up valuable funds and wages ahead of an expected summer of significant activity. The club are targeting high-profile additions, including a marquee striker, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko among the names linked.
While Zinchenko’s departure appears increasingly likely, Arsenal may be reluctant to lose Kiwior, whose versatility and late-season form have made him an important squad option heading into the new campaign.
