Jose Mourinho could be about to hand Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta a much-needed transfer boost. The Fenerbahce boss has made an official move to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko, potentially helping the Gunners generate funds for their late-window business.
Arsenal remain keen on adding an attacker before the deadline, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze at the top of their shortlist. However, Berta is intent on streamlining the squad first, moving on fringe players to avoid a bloated group.
Fenerbahce push for Zinchenko
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According to Turkish journalist Elis Buse Arac, Mourinho has tabled a formal offer for Zinchenko. The Ukrainian, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2023 for £30m, is open to staying for the final year of his contract but Arsenal are prepared to sell if the price is right.
Intriguingly, Mourinho’s plan for Zinchenko involves a positional shift. The Fenerbahce coach reportedly sees him operating as a number six rather than at left-back, though his versatility means he could cover multiple roles, including central midfield, wing-back, and wide positions.
Arsenal’s balancing act
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Zinchenko has made 91 appearances for Arsenal, scoring three goals and providing five assists. His technical quality and experience were key in the club’s rise back to the Premier League summit, but with squad evolution underway, his role has diminished.
In May 2024, former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan questioned the wisdom of Arsenal signing players Manchester City were willing to sell, referencing both Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus. While both have made important contributions, the current project appears to have moved beyond them.
What does it mean for Arsenal’s window
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If Mourinho secures Zinchenko, Arsenal would have more room to manoeuvre in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements. With three huge fixtures looming including a clash with Liverpool on August 31, Berta will be eager to finalise both outgoings and incomings swiftly.
For Zinchenko, the move would offer a fresh challenge in Turkey under a manager who has redefined players’ roles before. For Arsenal, it could be the sale that unlocks the final pieces of their summer plan.
Related Items:Fenerbahce, Jose Mourinho, Latest Oleksandr Zinchenko News | Transfer News | Injury News and Update
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