AC Milan have reportedly reopened talks with Arsenal over the signing of defender Jakub Kiwior during the final stages of the January transfer window.
The 23-year-old has struggled for regular game time in the Premier League this term, starting just four matches, playing a combined 302 minutes of top-flight football.
Since arriving from Italian outfit Spezia in January 2023, Kiwior has played second fiddle to the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel at centre-back.
The defender is a key part of his national team, though, earning 19 caps for Poland since making his debut in May 2022, playing both of his country's matches in the November international break.
According to Calciomercato, AC Milan are in discussions with Arsenal for Kiwior, who is looking to increase his minutes either with the Gunners or at another club in 2024.
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The report claims that Mikel Arteta's side would be willing to agree a loan deal for the Pole with an obligation to buy at the end of the campaign, should certain conditions be met.
Milan are understood to be targeting a different proposal, though, hoping that they can secure Kiwior on a temporary move with an option to buy in the summer.
With a number of injuries at centre-back including the likes of Malick Thiaw and Pierre Kalulu, it is believed that Stefano Pioli is keen to recruit another defensive option this month.
However - due to financial constraints on the Rossoneri - they are supposedly not open to an obligation-to-buy loan deal for Kiwior at any stage this month.
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The defender has only started one Premier League match for Arsenal in the past month, with the Pole being substituted at half time in the defeat at Fulham on New Year's Eve.
Kioior featured for 88 minutes in the Gunners' 2-0 loss against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in the FA Cup third round on January 7, netting the own goal which put the Reds on course for progression.
After pushing Manchester City in the Premier League title race last season, Arsenal are level on points with Pep Guardiola's side in the current standings, five points behind Liverpool.
Following a five-star display against Crystal Palace, the Gunners will travel to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, with Kiwior set for a watching brief from the bench.
Carter White
