Fenerbahce have submitted an official bid for Arsenal star Jose Mourinho really wants at the club this summer
Arsenal are preparing for the start of the Premier League season at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Sunday, but there is still unfinished business in the transfer window.
The Gunners cruised past Athletic Club on Saturday in the Emirates Cup with a 3-0 victory, as Mikel Arteta was pleased to see his team click into gear for the first time this summer.
New striker Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring for the Gunners, heading home a superb cross from Martin Zubimendi. Bukayo Saka doubled the lead before half-time following a slick passing move involving Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli.
Substitute Kai Havertz sealed the win in the second half with a brilliant finish, running onto Saka’s pass from the centre circle and holding off pressure from Athletic Club’s defenders.
Arsenal have been aggressive in the transfer market this summer, with six players already added to the squad. Attention is now turning to moving some fringe players out and generating funds that could help finance a move for another forward.
According to reports in Turkey, Fenerbahce have stepped up their pursuit of Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko by submitting an official offer for the Ukrainian defender, with negotiations between the two clubs moving swiftly.
🚨Fenerbahçe have submitted an official offer for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Negotiations between parties are progressing fast.
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 11, 2025
Reports suggest that Fenerbahçe sporting director Devin Ozek is currently in England to hold face-to-face discussions, as the club works to reach an agreement before the transfer window closes.
According to Turkish journalist Sercan Hamzaoglu, Arsenal are seeking around €15 million for Zinchenko, but are prepared to sanction the move if the player agrees personal terms.
The move is being driven by Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, who is keen to utilise Zinchenko as a number six in midfield, while also benefiting from his ability to cover at left-back.
The 28-year-old joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £30 million and has made over 100 appearances, playing a key role in recent title pushes. However, competition from Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber has seen his playing time reduced this season.
Turkish state broadcaster TRT Spor has confirmed the bid, with other outlets including Fotospor and Haber Global reporting that talks are progressing well. Ozek is expected to return to Istanbul tomorrow after finalising discussions in London, which could signal a breakthrough in negotiations.
Arsenal are believed to be open to the sale as part of their squad reshaping, with previous interest in Zinchenko coming from clubs such as Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund. However, Fenerbahçe’s approach appears the most advanced at this stage.
If completed, the deal would mark another major signing for Fenerbahce under Mourinho, and offer Zinchenko a fresh start with the promise of regular first-team football in both domestic and European competitions.