£32m Arsenal Star Set to Join Serie A Giants | OneFootball

Zinchenko Linked with Serie A and Bundesliga Clubs as Arsenal Prepare for Summer Shift

European Clubs Circle as Zinchenko Nears Arsenal Exit

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s time at Arsenal appears to be drawing to a close, with clubs in Serie A and the Bundesliga reportedly monitoring the Ukrainian’s situation closely. As revealed by CaughtOffside, “Sources with close links to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that Zinchenko is now being linked with clubs in both Serie A and the Bundesliga.”

The 27-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, made just 15 Premier League appearances last season as injury concerns and tactical shifts saw his influence wane. While the club values Zinchenko’s experience and versatility, there is growing momentum behind a summer exit.

Arsenal are believed to be open to selling him for a fee in the region of £10–15 million. However, his £5 million annual salary may pose a challenge for clubs with limited wage flexibility.

Photo: IMAGO

AC Milan and Dortmund Show Interest

In Italy, AC Milan are reported to be the most serious suitors. With a need for flexibility down the left and a summer rebuild in motion, Zinchenko is being considered as both a full-back and a potential option in midfield.

Juventus, on the other hand, are leaning toward younger targets. CaughtOffside notes that “the Bianconeri are prioritizing younger options such as Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez and Club Brugge’s Maxim De Cuyper.” While there is admiration for Zinchenko’s quality, age and wage demands may push them in another direction.

Over in Germany, Borussia Dortmund are also keeping tabs. The Champions League finalists are keen to add seasoned heads to their young squad and “Zinchenko’s name has surfaced during discussions”, indicating their interest in a pragmatic addition.

Arsenal’s Focus Shifts to Youth

At the Emirates, Mikel Arteta appears ready to turn the page. CaughtOffside reports that “Arteta is reportedly putting faith in young academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has impressed coaches with his performances.”

Lewis-Skelly’s rise has been one of the bright sparks of Arsenal’s domestic campaign. With his agility, defensive intelligence, and versatility, he mirrors some of Zinchenko’s traits, perhaps even offering greater dynamism in midfield transitions.

Arteta’s internal reshuffle is also influenced by the need to streamline a squad competing across multiple fronts next season. Zinchenko’s experience will be missed, but Arsenal’s evolving identity points towards youth and intensity.

Photo IMAGO

Financial Balance Key for Interested Clubs

For potential buyers, the appeal of Zinchenko is clear. A Champions League-experienced player, comfortable in multiple roles, and still in his peak years. However, financial considerations remain a key factor. Several Serie A and Bundesliga clubs operate under tighter salary structures and may hesitate at his current wage demands.

Should Zinchenko adjust expectations, or Arsenal agree to subsidise part of the wages initially, a move could materialise swiftly.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal fans, the prospect of Zinchenko leaving is bittersweet. When he arrived, he brought a winning mentality, a Guardiola-influenced style, and leadership that was crucial in Mikel Arteta’s early squad rebuild. His tactical intelligence, inverting from full-back into midfield, added layers to Arsenal’s play.

But football moves quickly, and last season showed signs of decline. Injuries limited his impact, and with Myles Lewis-Skelly stepping up impressively, the logic behind this potential departure becomes clearer.

Zinchenko is still a top-level player, but Arsenal’s model has shifted. Youth, versatility, and speed are now paramount, and with a wage bill to manage and a new campaign on the horizon, letting go might be best for both parties.

Should he move to Milan or Dortmund, he’ll likely thrive in a slightly slower, more tactical environment. And for Arsenal, it’s another step in an evolution that prioritises high energy and youth-driven depth, just what’s needed to sustain a title push and deep European run.