Arsenal now risk losing millions as £30m player could make transfer U-turn and leave for nothing

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Arsenal’s preparations for the new season increased as fans are waking up to news of the 2025-26 fixture schedule.

Arsenal face a tough opening six fixtures as they begin their quest for the Premier League title away at Old Trafford.

Mikel Arteta’s side will also have to contend with trips to Anfield and St James’s Park during the opening exchanges, as well as welcoming Pep Guardiola to the Emirates Stadium during September.

Andrea Berta now has added pressure to ensure the Arsenal squad is in the required shape ahead of the opener but his transfer plans have suffered a setback with one Gunner ready to scupper an exit.

READ MORE: Early predictions for Arsenal’s opening six Premier League clashes including Anfield resilience but more Newcastle pain

Oleksandr Zinchenko could leave Arsenal for free next summer

According to journalist Charles Watts in his latest article for Caught Offside, the Gunners are at risk of losing Oleksandr Zinchenko on a free transfer next summer.

AC Milan are interested in Zinchenko, however, according to Watts the Ukrainian international may see out his final year of his Arsenal contract.

The Italian club would struggle to match Zinchenko’s wages, which according to Capology currently stand at £150k per week.

Becoming a free agent at the end of the season would give Zinchenko more options as there would be no transfer fee involved but present Arsenal with the problem of having his wages on the books for another year.

Arsenal could use Oleksandr Zinchenko in a swap deal this summer

One route that Arsenal could use to tempt Zinchenko away from the club is to use him as part of a swap deal with another club.

Arsenal could use Zinchenko in their pursuit of Rafael Leao with the Italian club holding interest in both the Ukrainian and defender Jakub Kiwior.

Mohammed Kudus is another swap option for Zinchenko and may be more appealing given West Ham’s London location and ability to match his wages.

Zinchenko’s situation will be an interesting one to follow this summer with the Gunners hoping for a suitable resolution that helps their own recruitment.