Oleksandr Zinchenko could be leaving Arsenal this summer and the Ukrainian's shirt number is likely to become available for Viktor Gyokeres, should the striker make a move to north London
13:17, 24 Jun 2025
Myles Lewis-Skelly is consoled by Oleksandr Zinchenko after receiving a red card
Oleksandr Zinchenko looks set to leave Arsenal this summer(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
The player affectionately known as 'Mr Composure' appears poised to bid farewell to Arsenal this summer, potentially leaving his shirt number as a welcome gift for Viktor Gyokeres.
Oleksandr Zinchenko looks set to depart the Emirates Stadium after three seasons with the Gunners. As Mikel Arteta continues his hunt for a new striker, Zinchenko's potential exit could free up the number 17 for Gyokeres, should Arsenal decide to swoop for the Sporting CP star.
Gyokeres has worn the No. 9 jersey during his successful spell in Portugal. However, that number is currently occupied by Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal.
The No. 17 also holds significance for the Swedish forward. He previously donned it while playing for Coventry City, IF Brommapojkarna and his national team.
At present, it's thought that Arteta is leaning towards RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko to bolster his attacking line-up. However, if plans shift towards Gyokeres, the number seems likely to be available for the 27-year-old, assuming Zinchenko gets the nod to leave north London.
Viktor Gyokeres looks on while playing for Sweden
Gyokeres wears the number for his country(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Despite Zinchenko seemingly being surplus to requirements at Arsenal, the Ukrainian star has been the subject of much admiration from his colleagues and manager over the years. He was once dubbed 'Mr Composure' by Declan Rice.
Speaking post-match after Zinchenko's blunder in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Wolves back in December 2023, Arteta said: "You have to love him, how he is. Every player has strengths and weaknesses. Alex has many more strengths."
Team-mate William Saliba also piled on the praise. On Instagram, under a snap of Zinchenko playing padel, the defender commented: "You the best at everything [love heart eyes emoji]."
Myles Lewis-Skelly is consoled by Oleksandr Zinchenko after receiving a red card
Myles Lewis-Skelly has ousted Zinchenko this season(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal have reportedly slapped a £17million price tag on Zinchenko, with AC Milan said to be willing to pay. However, the Gunners are reportedly willing to accept a cut-price fee given that he only has one year left on his contract.
Zinchenko only featured 15 times in the Premier League this season, having struggled with injuries earlier in the campaign.
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The emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly looks to have put the brakes on his Arsenal career, with the England youngster also close to singing a new contract. Riccardo Calafiori was also preferred at left-back throughout the season to Zinchenko.
In March, Zinchenko revealed that he was unsure on what the future holds. "I don't know yet to be honest," the 26-year-old said. "If I knew, I could tell you. It's still a long way to go until the end of the season.
"Honestly, I am so happy to be part of this amazing club and team. It is really a joy to be close to these guys. Whenever the team and head coach needs me, I am there. In any position they need me, I am there to help."