Oleksandr Zinchenko appears increasingly likely to leave Arsenal in the final days of the January transfer window, with Borussia Dortmund positioning themselves as the frontrunners for the left-back’s signature.
Reports indicate that Dortmund, desperate to strengthen their defensive options, have turned their attention to Zinchenko after missing out on Chelsea’s Renato Veiga, who is now set to join Juventus on loan.
With Dortmund unable to meet Chelsea’s financial demands for Veiga, their focus has shifted firmly to the Ukrainian international.
According to Patrick Berger of Sky Sport Germany, initial talks between Dortmund and Arsenal have already taken place, with the German club keen to explore either a loan deal with an obligation to buy or an outright permanent transfer.
Arsenal, for their part, are reportedly open to negotiations but are seeking a fee in the region of €20 million (£16.9 million) for the player, who remains under contract until 2026. He is currently valued at €30m.
Zinchenko’s future at Arsenal has looked increasingly uncertain in recent weeks. Despite starting the club’s Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb, he has slipped down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order this season.
The emergence of 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, coupled with the return to fitness of Riccardo Calafiori, has limited Zinchenko’s opportunities, with the Ukrainian making just 13 appearances in all competitions, including only four starts.
Arteta has shown a growing willingness to rely on younger or more specialised players, and while Zinchenko remains a versatile and experienced option, Arsenal seem prepared to cash in on him to balance the squad.
The belief around the Emirates is that Zinchenko, who has struggled with both injuries and form this season, will be allowed to leave before the window closes on February 3.
Dortmund are keen to secure the deal quickly as their other options, such as Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell, remain financially out of reach. Plettenberg also reports that while Dortmund view Zinchenko as an expensive option, their inability to land Veiga and the player’s declining role under Arteta have made him their priority target.
James McNicholas of The Athletic adds that Zinchenko’s potential departure reflects Arsenal’s growing confidence in their depth at left-back. McNicholas speculates that while Kieran Tierney had initially been viewed as the likeliest to leave, Dortmund’s interest in Zinchenko has opened the door for the Ukrainian to move on instead. Tierney will then leave in the summer to rejoin Celtic on a free transfer.
Zinchenko joined Arsenal from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for £30 million and was a key figure in the club’s title challenge last season. His technical ability and leadership qualities made him an integral part of Arteta’s system, but the rapid development of young players like Lewis-Skelly has shifted the dynamic.
The decision to part ways with Zinchenko this month signals Arsenal’s intent to refine their squad further as they aim to challenge on multiple fronts. For Dortmund, the 27-year-old would bring valuable experience and versatility, particularly as they look to strengthen their squad for a climb up the Bundesliga table from 10th place.
With the clock ticking on the January window, all signs point to Zinchenko leaving the Emirates before the deadline, potentially marking the end of a brief but impactful chapter in his Arsenal career.