Bayern Munich decide on Arsenal star’s transfer while Arteta eyes £25m windfall

According to new reports, Bayern Munich is closely monitoring any developments concerning Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Ukraine international appeared in 518 Premier League minutes after the turn of the year, as the returning Takehiro Tomiyasu started the season’s final five games.

A significant portion of Zinchenko’s season was marred by injuries; his inconsistent play and rumors of new signings suggest he may be sold. Although the summer transfer window will not open for several weeks, the Gunners are interested in Fenerbache’s Ferdi Kadioglu and Feyenoord’s Quilindschy Hartman, both left backs.

However, Arsenal’s operations are heavily dependent on the departures of first-team players such as Thomas Partey, Aaron Ramsdale, and Emile Smith. Rowe considers Zinchenko to be a marketable individual. Saudi Arabia has already expressed interest in Partey; Arteta and Edu are examining potential replacements in the event that he decides to leave.

Regarding Ramsdale, it appears that a transfer to Newcastle is imminent, as their opening offer is already in the works. In the meantime, Smith Rowe is reportedly the subject of transfer discussions in the coming weeks as his future in north London is finalized.

In light of the foregoing, a tangible update on Zinchenko has emerged, with the Mirror reporting that Bayern is monitoring the versatile 27-year-old’s progress. In 2022, Arsenal acquired Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus in a double coup from Manchester City for £35 million.

Given Zinchenko’s modest decline in performance, it may prove quite difficult to recoup that amount in its entirety, given that CIES Football Observatories values him at €30 million (£25 million).

Additionally, Jesus is a potential departure for the club prior to the 2024–25 season, when a number of attacking targets have been identified. Arsenal are considering Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with Arteta placing the latter at the summit of his wish list.

Although Chelsea and Manchester United have also expressed interest in the Slovenian international, Emirates Stadium has been revealed as his preferable destination.