Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future at Arsenal looks uncertain as reports suggest the Ukrainian defender could be on the move this month.
Borussia Dortmund has emerged as the leading contender to secure his services, but several moving parts make this potential transfer an intriguing story.
From Key Signing to Third Choice
When Zinchenko joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, he brought versatility and experience to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
At the time, he was a key figure in Arteta’s tactical setup.
However, fast forward to now, and Zinchenko has slipped down the pecking order.
Currently, the 28-year-old finds himself behind 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori in the race for the left-back spot.
With Lewis-Skelly’s impressive rise and consistent performances, opportunities for Zinchenko have dwindled, leaving him in search of a fresh challenge.
Arsenal’s Busy January Plans
While Arsenal focuses on bolstering their attack in the January transfer window, they are also open to offloading players.
Zinchenko appears to be a prime candidate for departure.
According to reports from The Telegraph, Borussia Dortmund is keen on signing him.
However, Arsenal is awaiting updates on Lewis-Skelly’s fitness after the youngster suffered a knee injury during the weekend clash against Aston Villa.
If his injury proves significant, it could influence Arsenal’s decision to let Zinchenko leave.
Dortmund’s Defensive Dilemma
Borussia Dortmund has been actively seeking reinforcements in defense after missing out on Chelsea’s Renato Veiga, who opted for a loan move to Juventus.
Dortmund is also monitoring Ben Chilwell’s situation at Chelsea, though Zinchenko remains their preferred target.
Chilwell has struggled for game time under Enzo Maresca, but Zinchenko’s availability and experience give him an edge in Dortmund’s shortlist.
With their Bundesliga campaign faltering and a managerial change in the works following Nuri Sahin’s sacking, Dortmund sees Zinchenko as a valuable addition to address their defensive woes.
Zinchenko’s Arsenal Legacy
Despite limited game time this season, Zinchenko has made 81 appearances for Arsenal and remains a respected figure in the dressing room.
His contributions have been crucial during key moments, such as his Champions League start against Dinamo Zagreb.
However, with Arsenal’s ambitions growing and competition within the squad intensifying, the time may be right for Zinchenko to explore new opportunities.
What’s Next for Arsenal and Dortmund?
Dortmund’s potential pursuit of Zinchenko highlights the club’s urgency to strengthen their squad as they struggle in the Bundesliga and prepare for a challenging play-off round in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Arsenal must carefully weigh their options, particularly with Lewis-Skelly’s injury status in the balance.
Additionally, Kieran Tierney is reportedly nearing a return to Celtic, further signaling a reshuffle in Arsenal’s defensive options.
As the transfer window unfolds, the spotlight remains on Dortmund and Arsenal to see how this situation develops.
Will Zinchenko find a new home in Germany, or could unforeseen circumstances keep him at the Emirates?
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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