Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is in talks over a move to AC Milan but his wage demands could be a stumbling block, according to Italian reports. The Serie A club are reportedly looking to strengthen every department after Massimiliano Allegri was installed as the new head coach at the San Siro.
Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that contact has been made with the Ukrainian defender, and fresh talks were held on Tuesday in a bid to land an agreement for the Premier League winner. The 28-year-old was consigned to just 15 appearances in the top-flight last term for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Zinchenko was sidelined through injury and could only manage making the bench throughout stages of Arsenal’s campaign as they finished second. But with one year remaining on his contract in North London, the window of opportunity to land a return on the £30m, which they reportedly paid Manchester City for his services in 2022.
The outlet claims that an exit for the versatile defender and midfielder could be problematic due to his wage demands – meaning a compromise would need to be agreed.
Sky Italy has reported that Zinchenko is believed to earn around £150,000 a week in the capital.
However, it remains to be seen if such a middle ground can be reached between the two parties, but the interest in the full-back department comes amid ongoing speculation over Theo Hernandez’s future.
“I don’t know yet to be honest,” Zinchenko said, when asked about his future in March. “If I would know, I could tell [you]. It’s still a long way to go until the end of the season.
“I think we are at the stage and the most interesting period of the season, where every single game is a final and you never know what is going to happen in football.”
He added: “Honestly, I am so happy to be part of this amazing club and team. It is really a joy to be close to these guys. Whenever the team and head coach needs me, I am there.
“In any position they need me, I am there to help. Even if I will be in the stands, I will try to make an impact as much as I can, to push the others, just to hug someone, whatever! It is really a joy to be here.”
AC Milan face a push for reinforcements with Hernandez’s future unclear after he has been heavily linked with a Serie A exit.
Reports suggest that he has agreed personal terms with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
