Arsenal 'already in discussions' over January transfer as club push hard to tempt Arteta

Arsenal have already held discussions with AC Milan over a potential January exit for Jakub Kiwior, according to reports. The Serie A giants are determined to sign the defender but Mikel Arteta has not yet been convinced to let him leave.

Kiwior knows the Italian league well having joined Arsenal from Spezia last January. The Gunners spent around £21million on the Poland international to provide further depth at the back.

The 23-year-old has made just two Premier League starts so far this season, both in his least preferred left-back position. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are the first-choice pairing for Arteta and will play if fit and available.

Both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also ahead of Kiwior in the left-back pecking order. And it appears Milan are hoping to take advantage of his lack of game time at the Emirates.

Calcio Mercato claims Milan want to sign two defenders in the January window. Kiwior is their top target and they will make a ‘concrete’ attempt to sign him.

The report says Milan have been working ‘intensely’ in the last few days as they try to sign him on loan with an option to buy. Arsenal are said to be resistant to letting Kiwior leave but Milan will continue to discuss the possibility of landing the versatile star.

Milan currently sit third in Serie A, six points behind rivals Inter at the top of the table. Last season’s semi-finalists are on the cusp of exiting the Champions League at the group stage, knowing they have to beat Newcastle at St James’ Park next week to give them any chance of progressing.