Milan Explore Deal as Arsenal Defender Falls Down Pecking Order | OneFootball

AC Milan Monitoring Arsenal Defender Ahead of Summer Move

Italian giants weigh up move amid uncertain future at Emirates

AC Milan are exploring a potential move for Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to Sky Sports, as they assess options for life without Theo Hernandez. The Frenchman is the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid, and Milan are proactively sounding out replacements.

Photo: IMAGO

Zinchenko, now 28, has entered the final year of his contract at Arsenal and has seen his influence wane under Mikel Arteta. The emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly, a homegrown breakthrough talent, has contributed to his diminishing role. Although once integral to Arsenal’s tactical shape, the Ukrainian now finds himself behind the curve.

Photo IMAGO

Financial considerations are also at play. Reports suggest Milan are wary of Zinchenko’s wage demands, which could complicate the negotiation process.

Sky also report that Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund expressed interest in the January window, but no agreement was reached. Milan’s renewed attention may be a signal that Zinchenko’s time in north London is nearing an end.

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For Arsenal fans, this development feels like the slow unwinding of a once-exciting transfer that has run its course. Oleksandr Zinchenko was, at his peak, a vital cog in Arteta’s system. His ability to drift into midfield, dictate tempo, and control possession was a feature of Arsenal’s attacking shape. But the Premier League is unforgiving, and tactical evolution often leaves little room for sentiment.

The emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly as a composed and versatile option has further reduced Zinchenko’s standing. Add in the defensive inconsistencies that plagued the Ukrainian during the 2023–24 campaign, and it becomes clearer why Arsenal may be prepared to move on.

If Milan do act, they would be getting a technically gifted, tactically intelligent player who still has plenty to offer in the right system. For Arsenal, it may be an opportunity to free up wages and create space for a younger, more dynamic profile at left-back.

Supporters will watch closely, but few will be shocked. Zinchenko’s time may have reached its natural end, and a move to Milan could be mutually beneficial.