Arsenal negotiations underway as Milan look to reinforce defence | OneFootball

Milan Open Talks with Arsenal as Zinchenko Emerges as Primary Target

Progressive Moves in Search for Hernandez Successor

Milan have initiated formal discussions with Arsenal over a potential move for Oleksandr Zinchenko, as reported by Corriere dello Sport. With Theo Hernandez likely heading for the exit, the Rossoneri are accelerating plans to find a capable replacement. The report confirms that sporting director Igli Tare recently travelled to London to open negotiations, suggesting an active attempt to secure a deal in the early stages of the transfer window.

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It is understood that Arsenal value the left-sided defender at around €15 million, a fee considered manageable by Milan’s recruitment team. The player is approaching the final year of his contract, which gives the Italian club further leverage in talks. Though his salary at Arsenal, said to be close to €5 million per season, could pose a financial obstacle, the broader package is seen as within reach.

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Shevchenko Legacy Adds Personal Dimension

While sentiment rarely dictates transfer strategy, there is a clear romanticism in the potential arrival of Zinchenko at San Siro. As Corriere dello Sport notes, “Zinchenko would be only the second Ukrainian to wear the Milan shirt,” the first being Andriy Shevchenko, a club legend. Those echoes of the past inevitably carry emotional weight for Milanisti, even if this particular deal is shaped more by necessity than nostalgia.

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Milan’s challenge is not just replacing Hernandez’s attacking thrust but finding a consistent presence down the left. “It’s been hard to find a proper deputy for Theo in recent years,” the article explains. But now, with the France international expected to depart — possibly for Atletico Madrid — the club are focused on ensuring continuity in one of their most influential positions.

Zinchenko’s Champions League Pedigree Appeals

Zinchenko brings more than versatility. He offers nearly a decade of Champions League experience and a tactical intelligence honed in some of Europe’s most demanding systems. At 27, his profile aligns closely with Hernandez’s — “almost identical in age,” according to the report, making him a logical replacement in both footballing and structural terms.

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There is optimism in Milan’s corridors that a deal can be done swiftly. “The foundations for a deal are credible,” writes Corriere dello Sport, reflecting a mutual respect between Arsenal and Milan that could ease negotiations. Should a move materialise, it would mark another strategic acquisition in a summer shaped by targeted reinforcements rather than marquee splashes.

Interest in Xhaka and Dodo Adds Depth to Strategy

Zinchenko is not Milan’s only focus. The club are also monitoring Granit Xhaka, who has attracted interest before and remains admired by director Tare. “There is strong appreciation for Xhaka,” the article notes, highlighting his leadership and experience with Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped secure the Bundesliga title last season.

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Meanwhile, Milan are also exploring options at right-back. Dodo of Fiorentina has re-emerged as a candidate amid a contract renewal stalemate. The Brazilian full-back is admired for his attacking qualities and was recently called up to the national team, adding further weight to his candidacy.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal fans, the prospect of losing Zinchenko might evoke mixed feelings. On the one hand, his tactical versatility and experience in high-pressure matches have been valuable, particularly during transitional periods under Mikel Arteta. On the other, recent injuries and system tweaks have limited his consistency, making the reported €15 million fee a reasonable return on investment.

This feels like a natural parting. The club is clearly evolving tactically, and should this deal progress, it could open the door to a younger, perhaps more physically dynamic option at left-back or in inverted midfield roles.

There is also some optimism to be taken from the notion that Arsenal maintain good relations with Milan. Deals done with mutual respect often signal broader harmony across the European elite. If this transfer helps both clubs strengthen, supporters might see it not as a loss, but a step towards renewed identity.

Most importantly, Arsenal must now ensure squad depth is preserved. With Champions League football and domestic demands high, letting Zinchenko leave cannot be the end of the conversation. A reinvestment in a capable, stylistically aligned replacement must follow swiftly.