AC Milan contact Arsenal over potential deal for Oleksandr Zinchenko | OneFootball

AC Milan have opened discussions with Arsenal for the potential signing of Ukrainian full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to Corriere dello Sport, June 23, page 13.

Zinchenko was a key figure in Arsenal’s 2022/23 title push but has since slipped down the pecking order due to a combination of injury setbacks and tactical preferences under Mikel Arteta.

This has prompted uncertainty about his future as he enters the final year of his Arsenal contract.

Milan’s interest comes amid growing speculation surrounding the future of left-back Theo Hernandez, who has recently warmed up to the idea of joining Al-Hilal.

The Rossoneri are reportedly eyeing a deal around €20 million to sign Zinchenko, who made just five Premier League starts and 15 appearances in total last season.

If Zinchenko completes a move to the San Siro, he would provide reliable cover at left-back and midfield for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.

For Arsenal, offloading Zinchenko would trim a congested full-back contingent that already contains Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The Gunners will also receive a valuable fee for a player surplus to requirements, freeing up resources for key targets.

Milan’s pursuit of Zinchenko is in keeping with what is expected to be an active window for the Serie A outfit after a disappointing season.

They finished eighth in the league and also lost the Coppa Italia final to Bologna, meaning they missed out on European qualification.

Milan are currently in contact with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal for Granit Xhaka, while talks for Dusan Vlahovic are expected to accelerate soon.