Arsenal
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Arsenal are reportedly preparing to part ways with Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer as part of a broader squad revamp ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, according to The Telegraph’s Sam Dean. The Ukrainian full-back, now in the final year of his contract, has been made available for transfer following a season of limited involvement under Mikel Arteta.
Zinchenko, 28, joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £32 million and played a crucial role in his debut campaign. However, his influence has faded over the past year. The left-back featured in just 12 matches across all competitions in the 2024/25 season, totalling 719 minutes, as Arteta shifted towards a more defensively solid setup that has diminished the need for an inverted full-back, Zinchenko’s trademark role.
Despite his reduced club minutes, Zinchenko remains a respected figure, particularly on the international stage. He continues to captain Ukraine and recently scored in a 2–1 UEFA Nations League victory over Georgia on May 25, 2025, bringing his international tally to 12 goals in 67 caps.
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A number of clubs are said to be monitoring his situation, including Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, and AS Monaco. Bayern, managed by former City teammate Vincent Kompany, reportedly see Zinchenko as a natural fit for their possession-heavy style. Newcastle are seeking reinforcements at left-back, with Zinchenko seen as a potential upgrade on Dan Burn. Monaco, too, are interested in adding his top-level experience to their Ligue 1 campaign.
Oleksandr Zinchenko injury
Oleksandr Zinchenko (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal are expected to demand a fee in the region of £20–25 million, a fair valuation considering Zinchenko’s Premier League experience and remaining contract length. His departure would not only generate funds for the Gunners’ transfer ambitions but also help free up space on the wage bill.
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Zinchenko’s potential exit is part of a wider reshaping of the Arsenal squad led by new sporting director Andrea Berta. The expected departure of Kieran Tierney, likely to rejoin Celtic on a free transfer, signals a shift toward younger, more dynamic full-backs. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori have already started to feature more prominently and are considered part of the club’s long-term plans.
Arsenal’s summer plans include strengthening in several key areas, with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško among their top targets. The 21-year-old Slovenian scored 17 goals and added 4 assists in 26 appearances last season and is seen as a potential solution to Arsenal’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Other high-profile targets include Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi and Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.
While Arteta has praised Zinchenko’s attitude and influence behind the scenes, the lack of minutes and tactical shifts suggest the writing is on the wall. A move this summer could offer the Ukrainian international a fresh start and a system more suited to his technical strengths.
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