Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is reportedly wanted by Borussia Dortmund this month.
The Bundesliga side are the latest team to register an interest in the left-back, who is also attracting the attention of Inter Milan in the New Year.
Zinchenko has played a bit-part role for the Gunners this season under Mikel Arteta, with a persistent calf issue limiting the defender's game time.
The 28-year-old was an unused substitute for Arsenal on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates, where Manchester United secured safe passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Since making the high-profile switch from Manchester City to North London during the summer of 2022, Zinchenko has featured in 79 games for the Gunners, scoring twice.
© Imago
Arsenal open talks with Dortmund over Zinchenko loan?
According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, a new European giant has entered the race for the services of Arsenal defender Zinchenko this month.
The report states that Borussia Dortmund are keen on securing the signature of the Ukraine international on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
It is understood that Arsenal are willing to allow Zinchenko a New Year departure of the Emirates, given that their financial demands are met by the Germans.
The Gunners supposedly want an obligation-to-buy clause inserted into the temporary deal for the left-back, who would move to Signal Iduna Park permanently for £17m in the summer.
With Zinchenko's current deal in North London expiring during 2026, Arsenal are looking to recoup a respectable chunk of the £35m that they paid for his services in 2022.
© Imago
Increased competition and new challenges
Zinchenko was a regular contributor during Arsenal's title race with former employers Man City last term, featuring in 27 of his side's 38 Premier League battles.
However, the return from injury of Jurrien Timber and the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly has led to the Ukrainian plummeting down the first-team rankings.
The four-time English champion is supposedly ready for a new challenge elsewhere, one which could result in Bundesliga or Serie A glory in the near future.