Arsenal are reportedly targeting a move for AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, as Mikel Arteta looks to upgrade his defence in 2024.
The Gunners have lost some way in the Premier League title race following back-to-back defeats to West Ham United and Fulham. Due to injuries and a couple of players departing to represent their national teams at the AFCON and the Asian Cup, Mikel Arteta seems to be on the lookout for a couple of signings during this January transfer window.
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Fikayo Tomori at AC Milan closely, although their interest remains in the early stages.
German giants Bayern Munich have also expressed an interest in signing Tomori, 26, as Thomas Tuchel eyes a move for the ex-Chelsea defender. However, AC Milan are reluctant to sell the defender this month due to his huge importance to Stefano Pioli’s side, the report adds.
Fikayo Tomori to Arsenal—Good addition to the Gunners’ squad?
Arsenal’s interest in Fikayo Tomori comes following exit links regarding Jakub Kiwior. The Polish defender has failed to establish himself as a starter at Arsenal following his move from Spezia last January, and he has been touted for a return to Italy for some time now.
As far as Tomori is concerned, his contract at San Siro runs until 2027, meaning Milan are in no real hurry to sell him and have all the leverage in negotiations. However, a big offer from the Gunners in the summer could persuade the Rossoneri to sell him.
Tomori came through the youth system at Chelsea and played a few games for the first team. Having failed to cut the mustard in Chelsea’s senior side, he went out on loan to Brighton and Hove Albion, Hull City and Derby County.
After a successful loan spell with AC Milan in 2021, the England international joined the Serie A heavyweights permanently for £25 million. The 26-year-old has progressed and developed well at Milan, helping the Rossoneri lift the Scudetto in 2021/22 and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Given that Tomori’s family are Arsenal fans, he could be tempted to join Arteta’s forces in north London. Also, having failed to make his mark in the Premier League during his time at Chelsea, the centre-back will probably feel that he has unfinished business in England. William Saliba and Gabriel are the two main centre-backs at Arsenal, but if either of them gets injured, then it would be a big problem for Arteta, especially if Ben White continues to perform steadily at right-back regardless of being a central defender.
So, the idea of signing Tomori makes sense as he has the mix of physical qualities and technical skills to thrive in the Premier League. In addition, he could also compete with Saliba and Gabriel for a spot in the starting XI. While a move this month looks highly unlikely, the Gunners must go all out for Tomori’s signature in the summer transfer window.
