AC Milan aren’t completely out of the race for Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior just yet, with the club making new contact over a potential deal despite FC Porto’s pursuit.
Matteo Moretto reports that AC Milan are working on making a centre-back signing before the conclusion of the summer transfer window, with Manuel Akanji and Jakub Kiwior on their shortlist.
Though Milan only plan to make one signing, they’re still working on both players at the moment, with recent contact taking place for each centre-back.
Moretto admits that Kiwior is very close to FC Porto, who are hoping to finalise a transfer imminently. But the situation remains one to monitor.
For Arsenal’s part, Milan’s interest is good news. The Gunners are pursuing a deal to sign Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen, but that move depends on Kiwior’s departure.
Porto appear to be the favourites to sign Kiwior, reportedly reaching a verbal agreement to do a deal if and when Arsenal agree terms with Leverkusen.
Yet if Milan match or beat Porto’s offer, Arsenal would likely have no qualms about sending the Poland international to Italy instead.
And if Porto run out of patience and move on to other targets, it seems Milan would still be available as a potential destination for Kiwior to make the Hincapie deal possible.
For the time being, Kiwior’s move to Porto still seems to be the direction of travel. It’s just always good to have a backup plan.