Fulham are entering the race for Oleksandr Zinchenko, with AC Milan’s interest being played down despite Theo Hernandez’s imminent departure to Saudi Arabia.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal applauds the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
ESPN report that Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal are in advanced negotiations with AC Milan to sign Theo Hernandez for a fee close to €30m, after talks with Atletico Madrid fell through.
That would seemingly open the door for Milan to progress reported interest in Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Corriere dello Sport claim on Tuesday morning that the Serie A club have started talks with the Arsenal left-back.
Yet other sources aren’t so sure, with Italian journalist Matteo Moretto telling the Fabrizio Romano YouTube channel that as it stands he’s not aware of any contact between Milan and Arsenal for the versatile defender.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal takes his coat off after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2024. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
If Milan aren’t pushing for a deal, Fulham could take advantage, with Kealan Hughes reporting for The S*n that the Cottagers are set to enter the race for the Arsenal 28-year-old.
Hughes claims Zinchenko is in the sights of several clubs, with Arsenal willing to sell. The Gunners reportedly value him at £12.7m (€15m), but Fulham are hoping to complete a deal for around £10m.
The report also suggests Zinchenko would be willing to take a pay cut, and that he’d be happy to remain in the English capital.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal scores his team's first goal as Walter Benitez of PSV Eindhoven (obscured) fails to make a save during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and PSV at Arsenal Stadium on March 12, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Zinchenko played 23 times for Arsenal in 2024/25, which doesn’t sound terrible, but he only made eight starts in all competitions and spent a total of 789 minutes on the pitch.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence has further limited Zinchenko’s game time, following Arteta’s decision to sign Riccardo Calafiori last summer. The Gunners also have the likes of Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu available to fill in if necessary, at least when they’re both fit.
Even Jakub Kiwior can play and has played at left-back for Arsenal at times. It’s not a surprise Arsenal would be willing to cash in.
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