Fulham are entering the race for Oleksandr Zinchenko, with AC Milan’s interest being played down despite Theo Hernandez’s imminent departure to Saudi Arabia.
ESPN report that Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal are in advanced negotiations with AC Milan to sign Theo Hernandez for a fee close to €30m, after talks with Atletico Madrid fell through.
That would seemingly open the door for Milan to progress reported interest in Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Corriere dello Sport claim on Tuesday morning that the Serie A club have started talks with the Arsenal left-back.
Yet other sources aren’t so sure, with Italian journalist Matteo Moretto telling the Fabrizio Romano YouTube channel that as it stands he’s not aware of any contact between Milan and Arsenal for the versatile defender.
If Milan aren’t pushing for a deal, Fulham could take advantage, with Kealan Hughes reporting for The S*n that the Cottagers are set to enter the race for the Arsenal 28-year-old.
Hughes claims Zinchenko is in the sights of several clubs, with Arsenal willing to sell. The Gunners reportedly value him at £12.7m (€15m), but Fulham are hoping to complete a deal for around £10m.
The report also suggests Zinchenko would be willing to take a pay cut, and that he’d be happy to remain in the English capital.
Zinchenko played 23 times for Arsenal in 2024/25, which doesn’t sound terrible, but he only made eight starts in all competitions and spent a total of 789 minutes on the pitch.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence has further limited Zinchenko’s game time, following Arteta’s decision to sign Riccardo Calafiori last summer. The Gunners also have the likes of Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu available to fill in if necessary, at least when they’re both fit.
Even Jakub Kiwior can play and has played at left-back for Arsenal at times. It’s not a surprise Arsenal would be willing to cash in.