Arsenal Considering Sale of Defender Amid Contract Uncertainty | OneFootball

Uncertain Future for Zinchenko as Arsenal Weigh Transfer Options

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s time at Arsenal could be approaching a crossroads, with Caught Offside reporting that Porto, Real Betis and Fenerbahce are among the leading contenders for his signature. The Ukraine international, now in the final year of his contract, is attracting interest across Europe, though no final decision has yet been made on his future.

Sources indicate that Arsenal “would need a satisfying offer, while Zinchenko himself would also need to be really sold on a project before walking out on his current contract with the Gunners.” It leaves the door open for movement before the transfer window closes, but the outcome remains delicately balanced.

Transfer Value Complications

With his contract running down, potential buyers are reluctant to commit significant funds. Zinchenko’s situation means clubs may prefer to wait until next summer to sign him on a free transfer rather than meet Arsenal’s demands now. The player himself is reportedly in no rush to leave and could opt to see out his deal at the Emirates.

Photo IMAGO

Porto, Betis and Fenerbahce are all monitoring developments closely. A late bid cannot be ruled out, but any move would depend on Arsenal lowering their price and Zinchenko being convinced by the sporting project on offer.

Difficult Spell at the Emirates

The 28-year-old has endured a testing period in north London, falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta. In his upcoming autobiography, quoted by The Athletic, Zinchenko revealed the emotional challenge of his reduced role: “Going from one of the established play­ers of the side to unused sub is much harder to deal with. The sense of rejection you feel if your manager no longer believes in you can take the stuffing out of you, even if you’re the most resilient guy on the planet.”

He acknowledged the privileged nature of his position but also the personal toll of limited playing time. “Sitting on the bench in the Premier League for a very generous wage packet is obviously still a privilege, the kind of problem that billions of people on this planet would swap their much tougher lives for in a heartbeat. Trust me, as a Ukrainian, I’m aware of that. Every single minute. But every footballer started playing because they love to play the game. A big part of your life is missing without it.”

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal’s Decision Point

Arsenal’s midfield and defensive depth could absorb Zinchenko’s departure, but any decision will balance financial pragmatism with squad management. A sale now would generate funds, yet letting his contract expire could mean losing an experienced international without return.

The final weeks of the window could prove decisive, with the Gunners weighing the benefits of an immediate deal against the risk of keeping a player who may not feature prominently this season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal fans, Zinchenko’s situation is bittersweet. His arrival brought energy, technical quality and versatility, with memorable contributions in the club’s title push two seasons ago. Yet form, fitness and tactical adjustments have seen him slip down the pecking order, and his comments reflect a player who still craves regular football.

If a reasonable offer arrives, many supporters might view it as the right time to part ways, especially given his contract status. Funds could be reinvested into younger, more dynamic options that align with Arteta’s evolving system. On the other hand, Zinchenko’s experience and leadership remain valuable, particularly in a long season where depth often determines success.

Clubs like Porto, Betis and Fenerbahce could offer him the chance to be central again, but his willingness to wait for a free transfer shows he is in control of the timeline. For Arsenal fans, the hope will be for a resolution that benefits both player and club, whether that means a respectful farewell now or a final year of committed service.