Fenerbahçe made power play as €10 million bid launched for Arsenal’s Zinchenko as Mourinho eyes midfield reinvention. In a move that signals their ambitions to overhaul their squad this summer, Turkish giants Fenerbahçe have officially made power play as €10 million (£8.5 million) offer to Arsenal for Ukrainian international utility player Oleksandr Zinchenko. The news has been confirmed by multiple sources and Turkish publication, TRT Spor, and journalist Ekrem Konur, is undoubtedly an escalation in signing a player that incoming Fenerbahçe manager José Mourinho specifically asked for.
Negotiations Accelerate in London
The bid follows direct talks held over the weekend in England between Fenerbahçe’s Sporting Director, Devin Özek, Arsenal’s transfer chief Andrea Berta, and the player’s representatives. Arsenal initially set an asking price of €15 million (£13 million). However, reports indicate the Gunners have adopted a pragmatic stance. Sources close to the negotiations reveal Arsenal communicated: “If you reach an agreement with Zinchenko, we will facilitate” the deal. This suggests a willingness to compromise on the fee. This potentially involves accepting closer to €12-13 million, provided personal terms with the 28-year-old can be finalized swiftly.
Mourinho’s Masterplan: Zinchenko as Midfield Maestro
José Mourinho is the primary impetus behind Fenerbahçe‘s drive. The Portuguese manager is undertaking a complete overhaul of his roster. He’d already signed a plethora of players, including Jhon Durán, Sofyan Amrabat, and Milan Škriniar. Moreover, he sees Zinchenko playing a role on that roster. Importantly, Mourinho wants to deploy the Ukrainian not as a left-back. He used to primarily function as left back at both Arsenal and Manchester City. But rather, in a holding midfielder position in a number 6 role. This allows Mourinho to utilize Zinchenko’s superior technical ability. His progressive passing averaged 12 progressive passes per 90 minutes last year. Moreover, his ability to control tempo in the deeper distribution areas of the field. Mourinho even shared that vision directly with Zinchenko in Özek’s London presentation.
🚨 Oleksandr Zinchenko is available to leave Arsenal before the deadline, although the player is giving consideration to seeing out the final year of his contract & moving on a free transfer in 2026. Arsenal, naturally, would prefer a sale in this window. [@gunnerblog] pic.twitter.com/GlXgOnJjSj
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 12, 2025
Arsenal’s Calculus: Squad Evolution and Financial Fair Play
Zinchenko’s potential departure aligns with Mikel Arteta’s ongoing squad refinement. Despite an initial summer U-turn where Arteta opted to retain both Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard, the Ukrainian’s role has diminished drastically. He started only five Premier League games last season. He fell behind new signing Riccardo Calafiori and academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly in the left-back hierarchy. With just one year remaining on his lucrative £200,000-a-week contract, Arsenal remain motivated sellers. They are securing a fee now, even below their initial valuation. This is preferable for losing him for free in 2026, especially as the club seeks to raise funds. The potential sale could help finance a move for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.
🚨 Oleksandr Zinchenko is giving consideration to seeing out the final year of his Arsenal contract and moving on a free transfer in 2026. Arsenal, naturally, would prefer a sale in this window. ❌👋 [@gunnerblog] pic.twitter.com/pJE7iPpWii
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) August 12, 2025
Zinchenko’s Crossroads: Weighing the Turkish Opportunity
For Zinchenko, the decision is less straightforward. He seemed interested in new challenges, especially since he didn’t see significant minutes at Arsenal, but he is also considering just finishing out his contract and transferring out on a free in 2026. Either way, a long-term deal with performance bonuses from Fenerbahçe made a power play move and will give him long-term guaranteed money and a very good chance at playing full-time for a great manager. He still has to factor in moving to a new country and league and also interest out of the Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga. He was also pitched directly by Mourinho and the ambition of the project could play a factor in his decision-making.
A Deal Hanging in the Balance
Turkish media do sometimes exaggerate the interest levels of Premier League players, but the confirmation of an official bid and statements from many credible outlets including English media who spoke to their own sources give the saga a lot of weight. The negotiation process described as “moving swiftly.” The only sticking point was the gap between Fenerbahce’s opening offer of €10m and Arsenal’s reduced but still bigger expectations as well as tying down personal terms with a high-paid player.
If this transfer goes through, it will be a key moment for all parties. A statement signing for Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, a chapter for Arsenal’s squad evolution, and certainly a new opportunity for a talented player hoping to gain momentum in the heart of a major European project. Time will tell in the next few days, on whether this exciting deal will cross the line.
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