Fenerbahce are looking to lower the fee for Oleksandr Zinchenko, but their offer of an initial loan is unlikely to go down well with Arsenal.
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
Sabah report in their print edition on Wednesday, August 13th that negotiations for Fenerbahce to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal are accelerating, with Jose Mourinho keenly interested in the defender.
Yet the two clubs remain a way apart in talks, with Arsenal reportedly wanting as much as €20m, and Fenerbahce reportedly offering a €3m loan with a €10m option to buy.
A loan with an option is effectively useless to Arsenal right now, as Zinchenko’s contract expires in 2026. The Ukraine international would need to extend his deal before leaving, or Fenerbahce could simply refuse to pay the option to buy and then sign him as a free agent.
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
A €13m fee guaranteed might be more appealing to Arsenal, and Sabah report that Fenerbahce director of football Devin Ozek has already convinced Zinchenko of the potential move.
Though the English media seem less sure about that, with James McNicholas reporting this week that the defender is considering seeing out his contract at Arsenal before leaving on a free.
McNicholas added that Arsenal would prefer a permanent transfer, but made no mention of the rumoured interest from Turkey.
CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring during the penalty kick shootout against AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images
Zinchenko made 23 appearances for Arsenal in 2024/25, scoring one goal and providing one assist. The 28-year-old was also involved in the Gunners’ pre-season tour, though he appears to be behind Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori at left-back when the pair are both available.
It’s difficult to see Zinchenko playing a regular role for Arsenal in 2025/26, but if the right offers don’t arrive this summer he may well opt to take the hit this year to give himself freedom of choice in 2026.
Related Posts