Fulham head coach Marco Silva has encouraged the club to explore a transfer move for Arsenal misfit Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer.
Zinchenko made just five Premier League starts last season having fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates, with both Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori preferred at left-back.
And while Zinchenko remains one of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted lieutenants in the dressing room, speculation is mounting that the 28-year-old may have played his final match for the Gunners.
AC Milan, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund have all been keeping tabs on Zinchenko’s situation and could be drawn into a bidding war for the former Manchester City star over the coming weeks.
According to The Sun, Fulham are the latest team to enter the running for Zinchenko’s signature, with Silva said to be an admirer of the Ukrainian’s ability and willingness to cover a number of positions.
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It’s claimed Fulham are confident they could strike a cut-price deal in the region of £10million for the four-time Premier League winner, who has grown increasingly ‘frustrated’ with his bit-part role in north London.
The report adds that Zinchenko and his family are well settled in the capital and would be reluctant to up sticks, which would appear to give the Cottagers the upper hand over the likes of Milan, Ajax and BVB.
It’s understood Fulham – determined to improve on their 11th-placed finish last season – are also looking to strengthen up front, at right-back and in central midfield before the 2025/26 campaign gets underway.
Zinchenko’s current contract expires in 2026, meaning Arsenal bosses must decide whether to cash in on the Ukraine international now or risk losing him on a free transfer in 12 months’ time.
In March, Zinchenko refused to rule out the possibility that he could be set for a fresh challenge away from Arsenal.
‘I don’t know yet to be honest,’ he said at the time.
‘If I knew, I could tell you. It’s still a long way to go until the end of the season.
‘I think we are at the stage and the most interesting period of the season, where every single game is a final and you never know what is going to happen in football.’
Zinchenko stressed that he was still enjoying his time at Arsenal, despite finding himself increasingly on the periphery of Arteta’s plans.
‘Honestly, I am so happy to be part of this amazing club and team. It is really a joy to be close to these guys,’ he added.
‘Whenever the team and head coach needs me, I am there. In any position they need me, I am there to help.
‘Even if I will be in the stands, I will try to make an impact as much as I can, to push the others, just to hug someone, whatever! It is really a joy to be here.’
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