August 20, 2025 – London. Zinchenko Arsenal exit nears as three-way transfer battle erupts. Oleksandr Zinchenko recent transfer saga has seen a significant increase in intensity after Arsenal exit. Fenerbahce, Real Betis and Porto now formally interested in the Ukrainian international. They want him to join their ranks before the close of the transfer window. The Gunners are now welcoming offers for the outcasted defender.
Fenerbahce, Real Betis, Porto Interest
Reports have suggested that the Gunners are willing to part ways with the 28-year-old. He is now entering the last year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium. Fenerbahce have had the most serious interest and have agreed, to a £8.5 million deal, but the player’s wages of about £120,000-a-week could complicate the potential move.
Spanish and Portuguese Interest
The most serious interest in Spanish giants Real Betis coached by Manuel Pellegrini, who value the left-back/ midfielder position, while Portuguese giants Porto are in pursuit of the player and historically known as one of the “main suitors”. Each would problem find it difficult to match the players wage demands and demanding circumstances.
Player’s Motivation
Zinchenko wants a move primarily because he wants regular first-team football ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The defender called the 2024/25 campaign the “bad season” of his life, having completely fallen out of favour with manager Mikel Arteta; he “no longer believes in me.” The “feeling of rejection” from his manager has been horrible for Zinchenko to deal with.
The Stumbling Block
The big sticking point is that Zinchenko is certainly in no rush to leave and is reportedly open to seeing out the last year of his contract in North London, which would allow him to leave for free in 2026. This has diminished Arsenal’s planned negotiating position and has left clubs wary of paying a large fee.
Final Verdict
The registration deadline is approaching fast, and Arsenal now has a choice – they can either accept a lesser fee from a club like Fenerbahce or risk the player leaving for nothing in twelve months. Zinchenko’s next move is set to be one of the most entertaining closes of the window.