It is an important summer transfer window for Arsenal as they aim to make calculated moves ahead of the upcoming season.
Arsenal are expected to strengthen their attacking options to bring in the added quality and depth they’ve been lacking.
At the same time, the North London side will be working on a few departures. One of the names linked with an exit is left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The Ukrainian defender saw his role reduced last season under Mikel Arteta, following the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly in the squad.
Oleksandr Zinchenko in training for Arsenal
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Fulham enter race to sign Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko
According to The Sun, Arsenal’s London rivals Fulham are preparing to make a formal approach for Zinchenko this summer.
With the 28-year-old entering the final year of his contract and having slipped down the pecking order, a departure seems likely, especially amid growing interest from multiple clubs.
Fulham are optimistic about striking a deal for around £10 million, though Arsenal are reportedly valuing Zinchenko closer to £12.7 million.
Fulham face competition from Ajax and AC Milan who have also shown interest in the player, while Borussia Dortmund were previously interested in Zinchenko as well.
However, the report claims that the Ukrainian prefers to stay in London, giving Marco Silva’s side a potential edge in securing his signature.
The report further adds that the defender has grown frustrated with his lack of playing time at the club and is open to moving this summer. Arsenal are also looking to sell Zinchenko.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s time at Arsenal
Zinchenko joined Arsenal in July 2022 from Manchester City for a reported fee of £30 million, potentially rising to £32 million.
He made an instant impact for the Gunners, primarily playing as an attacking, inverted left-back. His tactical versatility quickly saw him become the first-choice in the role.
Over time, however, injuries and defensive inconsistencies began to hinder his position, and he began to face increasing competition from Lewis-Skelly, Tomiyasu, Kiwior, and Riccardo Calafiori.
In the recent campaign, Zinchenko made just 5 Premier League starts in 15 total appearances, clocking around 500 minutes.