Football
25 Jan 2025
0

La Liga Giants Join Dortmund in Oleksandr Zinchenko Race

01jjejs026grv748qhpg

Zinchenko Attracting Significant Interest After Losing Arsenal Starter Role

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arsenal’s versatile full-back, has become one of the most sought-after players in the January transfer market. Following his struggles to regain his starting position under Mikel Arteta, reports have emerged linking the Ukrainian international to a potential move away from the Emirates. Borussia Dortmund initially led the race for Zinchenko’s signature, but La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have now entered the fray, creating an intriguing transfer battle.

Why Zinchenko’s Arsenal Future is in Doubt

Zinchenko’s position at Arsenal has come under threat due to the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori during the summer transfer window. Calafiori, a dynamic left-back with excellent crossing ability, has put pressure on Zinchenko for a starting role. Furthermore, an untimely injury sidelined the Ukrainian, allowing teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly to step up and cement his place in the lineup.

Lewis-Skelly’s meteoric rise has left Zinchenko struggling for game time, and the situation has reportedly left him considering his future. Arsenal’s willingness to listen to offers has only fueled speculation about a potential departure.

Borussia Dortmund’s Interest

Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund was the first major club linked with a move for Zinchenko. Dortmund, known for developing players with technical ability and tactical versatility, saw the 26-year-old as an ideal candidate to bolster their defensive options.

However, Arsenal’s valuation of Zinchenko—around €20 million (£16.8 million) plus bonuses—appears to be a stumbling block for the German club. Dortmund has been hesitant to meet Arsenal’s demands, and this reluctance may see them fall behind in the race for the Ukrainian’s signature.

image 44 15
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who signed for Arsenal in a £30m deal from Man City in 2022, has fallen behind in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order Credit: Getty Images/Charlotte Wilson

Atletico Madrid Join the Race

According to reports, Atletico Madrid has now entered negotiations for Zinchenko. The La Liga giants are keen to bring the former Manchester City star to Spain, with the club reportedly open to meeting Arsenal’s financial terms.

Atletico is exploring a permanent transfer, either immediately or through a loan deal that includes an obligatory purchase clause. The Spanish side views Zinchenko as a valuable addition to their squad, capable of bringing defensive solidity and attacking support from the full-back position.

Potential Impact on Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy

The potential sale of Zinchenko could play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s plans for the January transfer window. Manager Mikel Arteta has openly admitted that his team requires reinforcements in attack, saying, “We clearly need more support up top.”

Funds generated from Zinchenko’s transfer could be allocated toward signing a new striker. This need has become more pressing as Arsenal aims to maintain their position in the Premier League title race and compete in Europe.

Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell: An Alternative for Dortmund

While Atletico Madrid seems poised to meet Arsenal’s demands for Zinchenko, Borussia Dortmund has identified Chelsea’s out-of-favor full-back Ben Chilwell as an alternative target. Chilwell’s situation at Stamford Bridge has been similar to Zinchenko’s at Arsenal, with limited playing time sparking rumors of a potential exit.

Dortmund’s interest in Chilwell suggests that they are not solely focused on Zinchenko and could pivot to other options if negotiations with Arsenal prove too challenging.

image 44 16
Zinchenko is attracting plenty of interest / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

Zinchenko’s Perspective

For Zinchenko, a move away from Arsenal could reignite his career and provide the regular playing time he seeks. At 26, he is entering his prime years and will want to contribute significantly at the club level to maintain his standing with the Ukrainian national team.

A switch to Atletico Madrid would see him join a side competing at the top level in La Liga and Europe. Under Diego Simeone, Zinchenko could thrive in a system that values defensive organization and quick transitions. Alternatively, a move to Dortmund would offer the opportunity to develop further in a competitive Bundesliga environment.

Arsenal’s Next Steps

Selling Zinchenko could mark a turning point in Arsenal’s January transfer activity. The club has made significant investments in recent seasons and will be keen to maximize returns from any outgoing transfers.

Arteta and the Arsenal board will need to act quickly, with the January window rapidly approaching its deadline. Identifying and securing a replacement full-back, if necessary, will also be a priority.

Conclusion

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s uncertain future at Arsenal has captured the attention of top European clubs, including Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid. While Dortmund initially showed the most interest, Atletico’s willingness to meet Arsenal’s valuation has shifted the momentum in their favor.

The outcome of this transfer saga could have significant implications for all parties involved. For Arsenal, selling Zinchenko would create opportunities to strengthen their attacking options, while for Zinchenko, a move could provide the regular minutes he craves.

As the January transfer window reaches its climax, all eyes will be on Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund to see who emerges victorious in the race for Oleksandr Zinchenko’s signature.

Leave a Reply

Rating