According to the AC Milan head coach Vincenzo Montella, club striker and Arsenal long-term target M’Baye Niang is free to leave San Siro side during the January transfer window.

The French forward has largely disappointed since his move to the Serie A giants back in 2012 and has been sent out on loan to Montpellier and Genoa in recent seasons.

Niang has only managed to score three goals in 18 matches for AC Milan this term and none in his last 11 games, with missing two penalties. Despite his struggles in front of goal he has reportedly remained on Arsene Wenger’s radar, while another Premier League outfit West Ham United are also believed to be keen on the former Caen starlet.

During his long interview with Milan TV, AC Milan manager Vincenzo Montella spoke about the future of the France striker.

He said: “Niang might leave the club. He’s discussing it with the management. He won’t be called up for the game against Juve as I thought he would definitely have been distracted.”

“He has made himself available right from the start and he’s trying to grow so he can manage his talent better.

“He’s a player who has had his ups and downs and there are things he needs to improve. We tried, and we got to a point where we were delighted with the results – the boy was, too – and I’m not talking about technical results.

“He got to a certain point and then stopped, and I won’t pretend to know why, nor do I want to say.

“If he stays here, we’ll try again. If he goes elsewhere then I hope he succeeds.”