Atletico Madrid have joined Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko, with Arsenal open to selling the 28-year-old left-back for €20 million this January.
Oleksandr Zinchenko looks set to leave Arsenal before the January transfer window closes, with Atletico Madrid joining Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign the versatile left-back.
Atletico have made an enquiry for Zinchenko, according to recent reports from Spain, as Diego Simeone‘s side look to strengthen their defensive options.
Dortmund, meanwhile, had already identified the Ukrainian as a priority target after failing to secure Chelsea’s Renato Veiga, who is now headed to Juventus on loan.
With two clubs now vying for Zinchenko’s signature, Arsenal are prepared to sell the 28-year-old if their €20 million (£16.9 million) asking price is met.
Zinchenko joined Arsenal in 2022 for £30 million from Manchester City, making an immediate impact on Mikel Arteta’s system and playing a pivotal role in the club’s title challenge last season.
However, the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly, just 18 years old, and signing of Riccardo Calafiori have seen the Ukrainian fall down the pecking order, reducing him to just 13 appearances this season, including only four starts.
Dortmund, keen to address their defensive frailties as they sit 10th in the Bundesliga table, are exploring both a loan with an obligation to buy or an outright permanent transfer for Zinchenko.
While James McNicholas of The Athletic suggests that Kieran Tierney was initially viewed as the likeliest Arsenal left-back to leave, Dortmund’s interest in Zinchenko has shifted Arsenal’s strategy. Tierney is now expected to stay until the summer, with a free transfer to Celtic to follow.
Zinchenko, whose leadership qualities and technical ability were instrumental in Arsenal’s resurgence, has struggled with injuries and form this season. Arsenal seem ready to cash in on him as they look to further refine their squad.
The competition between Atletico and Dortmund could drive up Zinchenko’s price, while both teams offer the allure of a first venture into new league, adding another chapter to a career that has already spanned England, Russia, and, of course, Ukraine.
As the clock ticks down on the transfer window, Zinchenko’s future hangs in the balance. For Arsenal, his departure would mark the end of a brief yet impactful chapter, while for Atletico and Dortmund, his arrival could provide the defensive boost both clubs need.