Bayern Munich’s reported interest in Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has reached an interesting turning point.
The Ukraine international has emerged as a target for the Bundesliga giants, with new manager Vincent Kompany believed to be keen on reuniting with his former Manchester City teammate in Bavaria this summer.
With Arsenal reportedly open to letting Zinchenko leave this transfer window, a move to Bayern could be in the best interests of everyone this summer, with the Gunners keen to overhaul the left-back position in the coming weeks.
Yet there’s been a twist in the tale in Bayern’s interest in Zinchenko
Bayern move ‘very unlikely’ for Zinchenko this summer
According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Zinchenko is unlikely to move to Bayern this summer as per sources close to the Ukrainian international.
Whilst Zinchenko has his fans in the likes of Bacary Sagna, most Arsenal fans would agree that the defender moving on would be a bonus this summer, with the Gunners set for a major squad overhaul.
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Plettenberg wrote on Twitter: “Rumors about Oleksandr Zinchenko and FC Bayern – Currently, the 27-year-old left-back from FC Arsenal is not a hot topic of interest at Bayern.
“And close sources around the player confirm that a move to Bayern is very unlikely. Bayern, pushing to extend the contract of Alphonso Davies beyond 2025 now. The top candidate if the extension fails: Theo Hernandez.”
Mikel Arteta has to find a new role for Zinchenko next season
With a move to Bayern now off this summer, Mikel Arteta might find it in his best interests to find a new role for Zinchenko, with the Ukrainian clearly not right in the left-back position.
With the 27-year-old a thriving creative presence in midfield for his national team, there’s a good chance that a switch into the centre could be what Zinchenko needs to revive his Arsenal career.
And with midfield in need of a fresh face, Zinchenko could be the guy to add more forward presence and creative intensity in the area, which could end up saving Arsenal millions.