AC Milan are in ongoing negotiations with Arsenal over Jakub Kiwior, with the Serie A side now looking at a potential permanent deal.

Daniele Longo reports for Calciomercato that AC Milan believe Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior has the ideal profile to strengthen their defence in January.

The Serie A side are particularly keen on Kiwior as he’s capable of playing both at left-back and as a centre-back.

Milan are continuing negotiations with Arsenal, though they’ve seemingly given up on the idea of a loan move. That was their initial plan, but the Gunners weren’t open to the idea.

All the same, Milan are feeling positive about the potential transfer, with Kiwior also reportedly showing an openness to move on in the January window.

Arsenal would want €25m for the defender, according to the same report, and it’s up to Milan to decide whether to pay that amount.

Napoli have also been linked with Kiwior in recent days, but they’re pursuing a loan move, so you’d imagine that bid is destined to fail.

It’s also very difficult to see Arsenal letting Kiwior go in the January transfer window. With Takehiro Tomiyasu’s ongoing injury problems and Jurrien Timber still out, Arsenal are very short at centre-back.

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are the starting duo for Mikel Arteta, and it would take a lot to change that. But Kiwior is clearly the first player in line whenever either of the players in front of him need a rest.

If Arsenal sold Kiwior in January, they would have to buy a replacement. So until we see serious links to a defensive incoming, Kiwior won’t be going anywhere.