Arsenal’s prolific left-back, Oleksandr Zinchenko, is reportedly mulling over the prospect of leaving the Gunners on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract next year. Zinchenko, who made his way to Arsenal from Manchester City during the 2022 summer transfer for a £30 million fee, with an additional £2 million in add-ons, finds himself out of contract at the end of the current season.
The looming expiry opens the door for the Ukrainian international to engage in pre-contract discussions with foreign clubs as early as January. However, Mikel Arteta’s squad remains hopeful of orchestrating a sale before the month closes.
In recent developments, Fenerbahce, managed by the esteemed Jose Mourinho, have been linked with the defender. The Turkish side would require shelling out about £12 million to secure Zinchenko’s services before the curtain falls on the transfer window on the 1st of September.
Despite Arsenal’s ample options at left-back and the recent addition of the multifaceted defender Cristhian Mosquera, playing time for Zinchenko in the 2025/26 season seems limited. Nevertheless, the ex-City player is contemplating staying put and exiting the Emirates next summer on a free, a course of action contrary to the club’s preference.
James McNicholas, a correspondent from The Athletic, has reported that Zinchenko is “available to leave” before the deadline approaches, though the player himself might be inclined to honour his contract until its conclusion in 2026. McNicholas states, “Arsenal, naturally, would prefer a sale in this window.”
In related news, Arsenal are open to offloading Fabio Vieira, Karl Hein, Sambi Lokonga, and Reiss Nelson, all of whom spent the previous season out on loan. The club “favours permanent deals” for these players.
Additionally, Jakub Kiwior has garnered substantial interest and is “open to departing for a club where he can be a regular starter”. While Arteta holds the former Spezia centre-back in high regard, Arsenal is “in no rush to sell” and is awaiting offers that meet their valuation.
So far, Arsenal have made six crucial first-team signings during the summer, including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristian Mosquera, and Viktor Gyokeres. With an expenditure nearing £200 million, the club trails only Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea in terms of summer spending.
The clock ticks as Arsenal navigate their transfer strategies, keenly watching the market dynamics ahead of the looming deadline.
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