Oleksandr Zinchenko
Image credit: Getty Images
Olympique Marseille are pushing to sign Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, with the French side exploring a permanent deal before the transfer window closes on September 1, according toThe Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Talks, however, have proven complicated, with Zinchenko’s £150,000-per-week salary emerging as a key obstacle. Marseille are considering creative financial solutions to make the move viable, including offering the Ukrainian international a longer-term contract, performance-related bonuses, or a deferred payment structure. Another option being discussed is for Arsenal to subsidize part of the player’s wages in the first year.
Zinchenko, 28, joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £30 million but has struggled for game time this season, making just 11 appearances, including three starts. He has fallen down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order at left-back, with Riccardo Calafiori and youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly preferred in recent months.
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Despite interest from Porto, Fenerbahce, and AC Milan, Marseille have emerged as the frontrunners, viewing Zinchenko’s experience and versatility as key assets in their bid for a top-three Ligue 1 finish.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal are understood to be open to selling Zinchenko for around £10–15 million. With two years left on his contract, the Ukrainian’s ability to play both left-back and central midfield, coupled with his four Premier League titles at Manchester City, makes him an appealing target for Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi, who values his technical qualities and leadership.
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The player himself is reportedly open to a new challenge after limited opportunities at the Emirates. In his autobiography Believe, Zinchenko hinted at frustrations over playing time, though Ornstein reports he is not desperate to leave and could choose to see out his deal until 2026 if no agreement is reached.
Marseille’s pursuit of Zinchenko comes as Arsenal look to trim their squad to meet UEFA’s squad cost ratio rules, following heavy investment this summer on signings such as Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. The Gunners are also close to offloading Jakub Kiwior to Porto and Fabio Vieira to Stuttgart, which could ease financial pressures as they continue negotiations for Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie.
With the deadline looming, talks between Marseille and Arsenal are expected to intensify in the coming days. Marseille remain optimistic that a breakthrough can be achieved to bring Zinchenko to Ligue 1 and add further top-level experience to their squad.
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