Milan target Arsenal star Arteta won't want to lose for January transfer

Robin Bairner

3 Nov 2023 09:06 GMT
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Arsenal face transfer interest from Serie A giants AC Milan in defender Jakub Kiwior ahead of the January transfer window.

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The 23-year-old has barely featured for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, turning out for just 361 competitive minutes this term, half of which have come in two EFL Cup encounters.

Although he played the duration of last weekend’s 5-0 Premier League win over Sheffield United, he is considered to be a primary target for the Rossoneri after they suffered a major injury blow with the news that Pierre Kalulu faces at least four months on the sidelines. As such, they are seeking a defender to bolster their numbers.

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According to Gazzetta dello Sport, they want the former Spezia player because they believe that a loan deal can be struck for him. Furthermore, he is described as a “well-known” face thanks to his previous experience in Serie A, which counts significantly for the type of stop-gap measure they are looking to employ.

Indeed, Milan’s strategy to find a replacement for first-choice left-back Kalulu is to target players from major clubs who could be loaned out or seek stars six months from the end of their contracts who can be signed for relatively small fees.

It remains to be seen how Arteta reacts to this approach. Although Kiwior has picked up relatively few minutes, he has been a fixture on the bench for Arsenal and squad depth will be vital in all areas of the field as they target another Premier League title push. To that end, a deal will likely be difficult for Milan to strike.

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Milan eye Bournemouth’s Llyod Kelly

Other options that the Serie A giants are looking at include Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly, who is out of contract next summer and has been targeted by several leading clubs, including Juventus. The Cherries are unlikely to sell, however, as they battle for Premier League survival.

PAOK centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis is another potential arrival, while Milan are also attentive to Real Betis full-back Juan Miranda, who could join for a small transfer fee but would demand relatively significant wages.