Euro giants re-open transfer talks with star who ‘revolutionised’ Arsenal, there’s a ‘real chance’ he leaves

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While Arsenal fans are desperate for the club to add to their squad this January, Oleksandr Zinchenko could be about to complete a transfer away from North London.

Zinchenko has found himself on the periphery of Mikel Arteta’s ensemble this season, starting just two Premier League games all term.

The Ukrainian has fallen out of favour at the Emirates and is likely itching for a move to a club where he’ll be guaranteed more regular minutes.

Borussia Dortmund had opened talks with Arsenal over a deal for the left-back earlier this month, although conflicting reports emerged suggesting that the German outfit have turned their attentions to Chelsea defender Renato Veiga.

However, this deal now appears to be back on, with concrete developments on Zinchenko’s future now surfacing.

Oleksandr Zinchenko could leave Arsenal for Dortmund this month

Zinchenko arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2022, and quickly became a mainstay in Arteta’s side.

He made 27 Premier League appearances in his debut season in N5, and has been cited as ‘revolutionising’ Arsenal’s midfield (via the Standard).

However, the former Manchester City man now finds himself behind the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber in the pecking order at left-back.

Thus, a departure is on the cards.

Fenerbahce have been linked with Zinchenko, although Dortmund now appears the more likely destination for the 28-year-old.

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Arsenal Insider have spoken to transfer expert Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, who has issued an update regarding Zinchenko’s possible move to Germany.

He said: “We have known that there is a real chance Zinchenko goes, of all the left siders who could depart it was always understood that he was the most likely.

“Arsenal never wanted Kiwior to go, whilst Tierney was one who Arteta still likes. He has agreed a pre-contract deal with Celtic, but the two clubs have been discussing whether he can go this month or not.

“But whether Tierney goes remains to be seen and Zinchenko staying or going has a bearing on that, a big one.

“Dortmund are interested in Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell too, so we will see which way they go.”

Arsenal should let Oleksandr Zinchenko leave over Kieran Tierney

As Bailey alluded to, Tierney has agreed a pre-contract with Celtic, bringing an end to the Scotsman’s six-year spell in Islington.

It seems as though Arteta is only keen on sanctioning one of Tierney and Zinchenko’s departures, which makes sense given the injury issues the likes of Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are persistently struggling with.

Arsenal should cash in on Zinchenko now and keep Tierney for the remainder of the season.

If Dortmund are willing to pay a fee in the region of £17 million for Zinchenko, which is the ballpark figure that has been reported, then the Gunners have to pounce on this opportunity to garner some return on their initial investment.

Celtic are unlikely to muster up a significant fee for Tierney now, so Arsenal are better off allowing Zinchenko to leave and losing Tierney for free in the summer.

With both likely to play little football for the rest of this season, Tierney’s superior defensive qualities will be more useful than Zinchenko’s passing when looking to close out matches on the odd occasion.