Transfer Centre

Arsenal open to selling 'unhappy' defender this summer?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 04 June 2024

Arsenal are reportedly open to selling one of their defenders in the summer transfer window amid suggestions he is unhappy at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal are reportedly ready to listen to offers for one of their defenders during the summer transfer window.

The Gunners are currently getting over the disappointment of recording a second successive runners-up finish behind Manchester City in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, there is generally positivity at the Emirates Stadium having shown the qualities to challenge Pep Guardiola's side ahead of more additions being made in the coming months.

However, for that to become more achievable, the North London outfit must cash in on a number of players, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah said to be on the transfer list.

Other fringe members may also depart for pastures new, while one of their highest-profile signings of the last two years may be made available for an exit.

Oleksandr Zinchenko celebrates scoring for Arsenal on November 11, 2023 © Reuters

Arsenal to consider bids for Zinchenko

According to Football Insider, Mikel Arteta would be prepared to see Oleksandr Zinchenko leave the club before the beginning of 2024-25.

The 27-year-old can be relatively satisfied with his contribution at Arsenal, accumulating 68 appearances across two seasons in all competitions.

That said, it became apparent at the backend of the recent campaign that Arsenal could realistically move on from the Ukraine international.

Having started the 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa, Zinchenko would feature for just 49 minutes of the remaining six fixtures in the Premier League, staying on the substitutes' bench on four occasions.

Thirty-one of those minutes came on the final day when Man City had effectively secured the title and it has all seemingly contributed to Zinchenko becoming "unhappy".

Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko react after the match on May 19, 2024 © Reuters

What would Arsenal accept for Zinchenko?

When Arsenal signed Zinchenko from Man City, they were prepared to pay £32m for the versatile player, who can also provide backup in midfield.

The report indicates that Arsenal are eager to recoup as much of that figure as possible, although it is unclear whether that will be realistic.

Zinchenko is halfway through a four-year contract and Arsenal may have to be prepared to compromise over a valuation if they are to facilitate a sale.

Bayern Munich are said to be monitoring the situation, aware that they may need to replace Alphonso Davies, while Newcastle United, who have made a habit of signing players who can be deployed in more than one position, have been linked with Zinchenko in the past.