As AC Milan come to terms with potentially losing the cornerstone of their defense in Theo Hernandez, Arsenal have spotted an opportunity to try and offload to a team in need, with the latest Oleksandr Zinchenko transfer news suggesting he could fill the void.
AC Milan’s squad is expected to look a whole lot different come the start of the 2025-26 season, with as many as five star players expected to depart.
A mediocre season, where they failed to secure any European football, has left Milan’s prized assets yearning for more.
Theo Hernandez Expected to Leave AC Milan
Arguably the most important departure of the summer could well be Theo Hernandez, who has been a mainstay in Milan since his switch from Real Madrid in 2019.
His reputation as one of Europe’s finest left-backs has meant there has been no shortage of proposals in recent years, but the French international is has made no secret of his eagerness to make a career change.
Despite a $23m contract proposal from Al-Hilal earlier this month, Hernandez rejected the offer in favor of a move within Europe, and reports suggest he is waiting for Atletico Madrid to up their opening proposal.
Is Zinchenko Leaving Arsenal?
The arrival of former Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori last summer, coupled with the rapid ascension of 2025 Golden Boy favorite Myles Lewis-Skelly, has left Oleksandr Zinchenko’s Arsenal career in doubt.
The Ukrainian featured for less than 800 minutes in the Gunners’ 2024-25 campaign, and is now seen as expendable in their bid to raise capital for new additions.
Their pursuit of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is all but complete, while they have also reserved at least $80 million in order to remedy the long wait for a recognised goalscorer.
However, Arsenal’s plans for the summer don’t stop there. Everything points towards another arrival to bolster the attack, with a preference for a new left winger. Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is a chief target, while new sporting director Andrea Berta is a known admirer of Kenan Yildiz.
Their ability to enter that particular market depends on how effectively they can shift dead weight, and Oleksandr Zinchenko — who is likely to fetch a fee of at least $15m — is one of the more lucrative disposables.
Lazio Also Interested in Zinchenko
Milan’s Serie A rivals Lazio also find themselves in an oddly similar position, with Al-Hilal making a formal approach for now-former Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares.
The Portuguese international only this month made the permanent switch to Lazio, having spent enjoyed a successful campaign on loan in the capital.
Despite having their initial offer rebuffed by Lazio, the Saudi Pro League runners-up are expected to return with an offer that could force their hand.
Should that scenario play out, the latest Oleksandr Zinchenko transfer news indicates Lazio are expected to join Milan in the pursuit, although he will be forced to take a significant pay cut to his current $200,000 per-week wage.
According to cash out betting sites, Zinchenko is strongly favored for a move outside of England.
