Arsenal and Fulham have an interesting relationship when it comes to transfers, especially with former players moving to Craven Cottage.
Recent years have seen the likes of Willian, Alex Iwobi, and Bernd Leno make the switch, only furthering the connection between Arsenal and Fulham with former players.
While not all of those have been direct deals between the teams, Emile Smith Rowe’s move in 2024 was completed between the Gunners and the Whites.
The Hale End academy graduate moved from Arsenal to Fulham in search of more game time, bringing an end to his long-standing association with the Gunners.
While he is one of the latest to make the move from the Emirates Stadium to Craven Cottage, he could soon be joined by another former teammate.
Emile Smith Rowe previously praised Oleksandr Zinchenko’s impact amid Arsenal and Fulham links
One star who could join Smith Rowe at Fulham is Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The Arsenal defender has just one year remaining on his current deal at the Emirates Stadium, putting further doubt on his future at the club.
As Zinchenko has been linked with a transfer to Fulham, he could join Smith Rowe in helping to transform the club once again.
It was something he did upon joining the Gunners, with his former teammate revealing the huge difference the Ukrainian international made at London Colney, alongside Gabriel Jesus.
“The mentality [is different] now,” Smith Rowe said in 2023. “From pre-season, I could see on everyone’s faces how ready they all were.
“[Oleksandr] Zinchenko and [Gabriel] Jesus just changed the whole dynamic. They’ve been there before, they know what it’s like to win.”
That changing of the dynamic could now be what Zinchenko can offer to Fulham, should they close in on a deal.
Arsenal may only receive £10m for Oleksandr Zinchenko’s transfer exit
With Zinchenko’s contract coming towards an end, and with such high wages, it could be tough for Arsenal to move him on.
The defender signed for £30 million in 2022, but three years later, he could leave for just £10 million.
For Mikel Arteta, the strength in depth at left-back means there is little space for Zinchenko to play a part over the coming season.
The midfield may well open up for him, but only if others are leaving and it creates the opportunities for him to get some minutes.
Given his high wages and with just one year left, it may be ideal for Arsenal to move him on while he still has some value.
It remains to be seen if he would be open to joining Fulham, however, and their contingent of former Arsenal players.
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