Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Defender Nears Exit as Borussia Dortmund Leads the Race

Arsenal’s Ukrainian international, Oleksandr Zinchenko, is reportedly on the verge of leaving the Emirates Stadium, with Borussia Dortmund emerging as the leading contender for his signature. The German club has identified Zinchenko as their top target for the left-back position, and a potential move could be finalized before the January transfer deadline.

Zinchenko’s Decline in Arsenal’s Squad

After a promising start at Arsenal following his £30 million move from Manchester City in 2022, Zinchenko’s influence has waned over the last two seasons. Initially a mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s defense, the left-back has struggled for consistent playing time due to new arrivals and the rise of young talents in the squad.

The signing of Riccardo Calafiori in the summer and the return of Jurrien Timber from injury have added depth and competition to Arsenal’s defense. Additionally, the emergence of 18-year-old sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly has pushed Zinchenko further down the pecking order.

Despite starting Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday, that was only his second start across all competitions since October. These limited opportunities indicate that the 27-year-old may no longer be central to Arteta’s plans.

Borussia Dortmund’s Interest in Zinchenko

Borussia Dortmund is actively seeking reinforcements for their left side of defense, particularly after missing out on Chelsea’s Renato Veiga transfer, who is set to join Juventus on loan. Zinchenko has become their primary target, with Dortmund eager to bolster their defensive options during a tumultuous season.

Currently, Ramy Bensebaini is Dortmund’s first-choice left-back. However, his understudy, Yan Couto, has failed to make the desired impact since joining on loan from Manchester City. Dortmund sees Zinchenko as a player capable of bringing experience and quality to their defensive lineup.

Despite facing internal challenges, including the recent sacking of manager Nuri Sahin following a Champions League defeat to Bologna, Dortmund remains committed to strengthening their squad. The club is languishing in the bottom half of the Bundesliga table and views Zinchenko as a key signing for their second-half resurgence.

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Zinchenko’s Arsenal Journey

Zinchenko joined Arsenal with high expectations, having previously enjoyed success under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. In his debut season, he quickly established himself as a reliable left-back, known for his technical skills and versatility.

However, his form and influence began to diminish over time. Losing his place to younger players and struggling with inconsistent performances have made his position at Arsenal increasingly untenable. Reports suggest that Zinchenko’s potential move to Dortmund could signal the end of his Arsenal career.

Arsenal’s Defensive Depth Amid Zinchenko’s Potential Exit

Manager Mikel Arteta appears to have sufficient options to cope with Zinchenko’s departure. Riccardo Calafiori, who recently returned from a brief absence, is expected to be the primary left-back moving forward.

Additionally, Jakub Kiwior, the versatile Polish international, remains capable of filling the left-back role. While Myles Lewis-Skelly’s recent injury caused some concerns, it is believed to be minor, ensuring that Arsenal’s defensive depth remains intact.

Even if Lewis-Skelly is unavailable for the upcoming clash against Wolves, Zinchenko is unlikely to feature, further solidifying speculation about his exit.

A Fresh Start for Zinchenko at Dortmund?

A move to Borussia Dortmund could provide Zinchenko with a much-needed fresh start. The 27-year-old’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an attractive prospect for the Bundesliga club.

Dortmund’s interest in Zinchenko highlights their ambition to recover from a disappointing season and climb the Bundesliga standings. Zinchenko’s experience in top-flight European football could make him a key player in Dortmund’s quest for stability and success.