Versatile Arsenal player Oleksandr Zinchenko has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Bayern Munich and Newcastle United.
Having remained as a backup squad member during his time at Manchester City, Zinchenko left the Etihad Stadium in 2022 to sign for Arsenal.
After featuring in a deal that was worth in the region of £30m, the Ukraine international was expected to command a regular role in Mikel Arteta's starting lineup, and that is how it has proved.
A total of 49 starts and 11 substitute outings have been made in all competitions, with Zinchenko largely competing at left-back even though he also has experience of featuring in central midfield.
Although Arsenal continue to challenge for silverware in the Premier League, as well as the Champions League, the campaign has been less productive for Zinchenko.
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Injuries have restricted him to 20 starts in the aforementioned competitions, while time out of team has occasionally led to some indifferent performances.
Arteta will hope to have Jurrien Timber available after a serious knee injury at some point, and Jakub Kiwior has recently impressed on the left-hand side of the backline.
That may theoretically lead to Arsenal being open to a sale at a time when they are keen to bolster their FFP position as much as possible.
According to FootballTransfers, Bayern and Newcastle are each admirers of Zinchenko and may make a move.
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Whether Arsenal would be prepared to sell to another Premier League club remains to be seen, while Newcastle have their own issues with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules to take care of.
Furthermore, the Magpies already have a deal in place to sign Lewis Hall from Chelsea for £28m, even though it is claimed elsewhere that the club are yet to be obligated to purchase the youngster.
Bayern may also be in the market for a new left-back if they are forced to cash in on Alphonso Davies, who has less than 18 months remaining on his contract.
The report claims that Arsenal officials are looking for a fee in the region of €45m (£38.4m) for Zinchenko, with it yet to be determined whether any club would be prepared to pay that figure for a player who will turn 28 years of age at the end of 2024.
Darren Plant
