AC Milan in talks to sign second Arsenal star along with Oleksandr Zinchenko

Milan eager to add to their defensive options this summer (Picture: Getty Images)

AC Milan are plotting a double transfer raid at Arsenal as they look to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior this summer.

Massimiliano Allegri, reappointed Milan boss at the end of May, is eager to rebuild the club’s backline after a disappointing eighth place finish last season.

The Rossoneri have already identified Zinchenko as a possible option to replace Theo Hernandez at left-back with the France international in talks with Atletico Madrid after turning down a move to Saudi Arabia.

Gazzetta dello Sport report an emissary from Milan held talks with Arsenal officials on Tuesday this week to discuss a move for the Ukraine international, with the subject of a move to sign Kiwior also broached.

With Malick Thiaw in talks to return to the Bundesliga to join Bayer Leverkusen, the Poland international has emerged as a leading target with Milan appreciating his versatility and experience in Serie A.

Kiwior was signed from Spezia in January 2023, mainly operating as a back-up option for Mikel Arteta.

But the 25-year-old stepped up impressively at the start of April after Gabriel Magalhaes was ruled out with a hamstring injury, filling the void alongside William Saliba.

Kiwior stepped up last season (Picture: Getty Images)

While Kiwior proved his worth to the squad, Arsenal are reportedly looking at other options at centre-half with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi among them.

It remains to be seen whether Arteta is willing to let Kiwior leave north London.

The versatile defender started Arsenal’s last eight games of the Premier League campaign in Gabriel’s absence, also ever-present in the Champions League quarter-final and semi-finals clashes with Real Madrid and eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Zinchenko could be heading for the Arsenal exit (Picture: Getty)

Zinchenko meanwhile was limited to just five Premier League starts with Myles Lewis-Skelly emerging as Arteta’s firm first-choice at left-back with Riccardo Calafiori also competing for minutes.

Milan believe he will be available for less than €15million but his reported wages of £150,000-a-week could pose a problem for the Rossoneri.  

Kieran Tierney this week sealed his return to Celtic with Arsenal banking around £6million from Nuno Tavares’ permanent move to Lazio.

Jorginho has also left the club having reached the end of his contract, joining Brazilian side Flamengo.