La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have reportedly expressed their interest in signing 28-year-old Arsenal utility man Oleksandr Zinchenko in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Oleksandr Zinchenko is the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid. The Colchoneros have been scouring the market for a left-back heading into the winter transfer window and have set their sights on the Arsenal utility man. They have already approached Arsenal over a move, which will cost around €20 million plus add-ons.
The rise and fall of Oleksandr Zinchenko at Arsenal
Oleksandr Zinchenko has blown hot and cold since joining Arsenal from Manchester City in July 2022. While the versatile player was impressive in his debut season with the North London club, he has seen his stock plummet since then.
Fitness issues have played a part in Zinchenko’s falling stock, but his performance levels have also dropped. In addition, the competition for the left-back spot is intense, forcing the 28-year-old utility man to drop in the pecking order. The player has not even completed 500 minutes of game time across 13 appearances in all competitions.
However, Zinchenko’s stock in the market remains high, with several well-known clubs across Europe setting their sights on him. Recent reports have suggested that the Ukrainian international will likely leave Arsenal in the winter transfer window. The latest update has linked the Arsenal utility man with Atletico Madrid.
La Liga move on the horizon?
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Oleksandr Zinchenko makes sense. Reinildo Mandava and Javi Galan are the two recognised left-backs in Diego Simeone’s squad. However, both players are on the wrong side of 30, with Reinildo poised to depart from Estadio Metropolitano in the summer transfer window.
So, Zinchenko has emerged as a viable target for Atletico Madrid, with the Colchonero registering their interest in the Arsenal utility man. However, the Spanish giants have to decide the mode of transfer, as they might consider a permanent deal or an initial loan move with a purchase obligation clause.
The move will cost Atletico Madrid around €20 million plus add-ons, making the 28-year-old Ukrainian international an affordable target. However, with Borussia Dortmund also in the equation, it will be interesting to see where he lands in the winter transfer window.
