Arsenal could be facing a battle to retain one of their key players this summer.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, the versatile Ukrainian defender, has reportedly caught the eye of both Bayern Munich and Newcastle United, sparking questions about his future at the Emirates Stadium.
Oleksandr Zinchenko‘s position at Arsenal could be in question as he attracts interest from Bayern Munich and Newcastle United.
While Mikel Arteta values Zinchenko and reportedly wants to keep him, enticing offers from major clubs like Bayern Munich could complicate matters. The Gunners are said to be determined to resist any attempts to sign Zinchenko, but the coming months will decide whether Zinchenko remains at the Emirates or explores new opportunities elsewhere.
Good but unreliable?
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s recurring calf injuries are a major concern for Arsenal. Since joining the club, he’s suffered multiple calf-related setbacks, raising questions about the underlying causes and potential solutions for this persistent problem. His latest injury, picked up against Liverpool at the start of February highlights the issue’s severity and adds urgency to finding answers.
Zinchenko’s dynamic playing style, involving both attacking and defensive responsibilities, puts significant strain on his calves. Combined with the relentless pace of the Premier League, this creates a high risk for injuries.
Zinchenko’s value
Zinchenko cost Arsenal €35m from Manchester City in the summer of 2022. He is currently valued at around €42m. With two years left on his Arsenal contract, this summer should see the club making a decision on his future – either opting to sell him or to renew the 27-year-old’s contract.
Will Zinchenko want to leave?
It’s unclear if Zinchenko would be interested in a move, although it seems he needed some convincing to join Mikel Arteta at Arsenal in the first place. That being said, he seems incredibly happy that he did.
Speaking in September, Gabriel Jesus revealed he actually helped convince Zinchenko to sign for the Gunners the same summer when the defender didn’t seem too sure about the move.
“I was in Manchester, at home with my family and I was supposed to come to London the day after and come in by car,” Jesus said.
“Edu just text me and said they were going to Zinny’s house, if I want to come to join them to talk with Zin and then I come by plane. So I say ‘OK.’ I went there and talked with him. He was surprised.
“If I helped a little bit he took the decision to come, I am happy because I like him as a player, as a person. I treat him as a brother and I am very happy he came. He is playing good, playing every time and more than this is very happy so I’m happy for him.
“I just said ‘Zina, you have to take a decision like I did and I am happy with this.’ He was a little bit ‘I don’t know, I need to talk with my wife first’ but he took the decision [to come]. I think if you ask him, it was the right decision.”