Oleksandr Zinchenko, the popular left-back player, is anticipated to leave Arsenal before the January transfer window closes. Borussia Dortmund has shown keen interest in acquiring him.
Dortmund is actively seeking a new left-back and has reportedly placed Zinchenko at the top of their wish list. This decision comes after missing out on Chelsea’s Renato Veiga, who will be moving to Juventus on loan for the remainder of this season. Initially, Chelsea had insisted that Veiga could only leave permanently but later agreed to a loan move.
Dortmund had previously made an offer for Veiga and are now forced to look elsewhere. Ben Chilwell from Chelsea was another potential candidate considered by Dortmund; however, as it stands now, Zinchecko is their prime target.
Changing dynamics at Arsenal
Zinchenko was part of Arsenal’s Champions League fixture win over Dinamo Zagreb recently but has since fallen behind Myles Lewis-Skelly in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order. Lewis-Skelly suffered a knee injury during the draw with Aston Villa which might make Arsenal reconsider letting go of Zinchenko until they see scan results.
However, Arteta also has Riccardo Calafiori back from injury and available as an option. Given these circumstances, it's believed that Zinchenko will be allowed to depart before this month’s transfer window ends.
Arsenal signed Zinchenko in July 2022 from Manchester City in a £30 million deal. The 28-year-old player has since made 81 appearances for the club where he remains well-liked among his teammates and staff members alike.
Management changes at Dortmund
In other news related to Dortmund this week includes sacking manager Nuri Sahin. The club is rumored to be considering former Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag as his replacement.
Juventus has assured Veiga that he will play in his preferred position at the centre of defence, which might have been a decisive factor in Dortmund losing out on his loan signature. Veiga has expressed a desire to play more regularly at centre-back and Chelsea decided it was better for him to leave, even on loan, rather than risk him becoming unhappy in Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Meanwhile, there is optimism within Chelsea that Chilwell will secure a loan move away from the club before the transfer window closes. However, his potential destination remains uncertain.
