Arsenal journalist Charles Watts does not believe it’s likely that Mikel Arteta would be ready to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer, but he did concede that every player has their price.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his Daily Briefing column, Watts also explained that Arsenal have been hoping to find a buyer for Kieran Tierney, with the Gunners trying to offload the Scotland international last summer before struggling to get offers for a permanent deal, so sending him on loan to Real Sociedad instead.
Still, Watts has made it clear that Arteta remains a big fan of Zinchenko, so he’s not convinced by the transfer rumours about the former Manchester City left-back possibly leaving the Emirates Stadium at the end of this season.
Arsenal only signed Zinchenko last season, and the Ukraine international made a fine start to life in north London, even if his second season hasn’t been quite as good, with a loss of fitness and form affecting his influence on the side.
Arsenal transfer update: Zinchenko not for sale but Tierney could leave
Discussing the situation with Arsenal’s left-backs, Watts suggested Zinchenko would likely continue to be first choice for that role despite Jakub Kiwior’s fine form during his absence, while other versatile defenders like Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu would most likely play on the right-hand side more often than the left.
He said: “I’ve seen the suggestions about Arsenal being open to Oleksandr Zinchenko leaving in the summer, but I would be very surprised if that was the case.
“Mikel Arteta loves Zinchenko and what he brings to the side. Yes, he is not always the best defensively at times, but what he gives going forward outweighs those deficiencies in Arteta’s mind.
“Obviously, every player has a price and if someone comes in and offers huge money, then I’m sure Arsenal would consider it, but it would have to be a massive bid for them to part with a player that brings so much quality and versatility when he is fit.
“Jakub Kiwior has filled in well in recent weeks, but he is not a long-term option at left-back and both Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu are more comfortable on the right, despite being able to play on the left.
“So, overall, I can’t see Zinchenko leaving at this stage. It would be a surprise.”
He added: “There’s also Kieran Tierney’s future to think about. I struggle to see Sociedad being able to pay Arsenal what they want for Tierney, and given the injury issues he has suffered during his loan spell, it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to turn the move permanent anyway.
“I know Sociedad really like Tierney and he has made an impact with the way he has adapted to life in Spain. But the feeling speaking to those close to the club is that it is unlikely at this stage that they will look to keep him on a permanent basis.
“Should that be the case then Arsenal will look to cash in on him elsewhere, but that might be difficult. They wanted to sell Tierney last summer, but were unable to, so the loan move to Sociedad was arranged.
“The hope was that he would perform well in Spain, prove his fitness over the season and generate a big market for him this coming summer.
“But that hasn’t really happened, which might make things difficult for Edu as he looks to find a buyer for the left-back.”