As the January transfer window opens, there are always a number of intriguing stories surrounding the movement of football players, with rumors and reports swirling daily. One of the more interesting narratives this year centers around Arsenal’s Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko.
After a somewhat underwhelming season in North London, where he has struggled for consistent playing time, Zinchenko’s future has come into question. According to recent reports, his agent has put a halt to discussions with Arsenal regarding a potential new contract, with some sources even suggesting that the player is already in advanced talks with other clubs. Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s most prominent clubs, is reportedly keen on bringing him in during this transfer window. However, this pursuit has not gone smoothly, with the Turkish giants now facing a setback as Zinchenko’s agent has revealed that Borussia Dortmund is also in the running for the player’s signature.
The prospect of Zinchenko leaving Arsenal in favor of a move to Galatasaray or Borussia Dortmund adds an interesting twist to his career. The Ukrainian has been with Arsenal since 2022, joining from Manchester City in a deal that seemed like a perfect fit. Zinchenko was known for his versatility, ability to play as a left-back or in midfield, and his leadership qualities, all of which made him a standout performer at City. When he moved to Arsenal, many believed he could make a significant impact, given his pedigree from City, where he won multiple Premier League titles. However, things have not gone as smoothly as planned.
In this article, we will dive deep into the situation surrounding Oleksandr Zinchenko, examining his journey at Arsenal so far, the various clubs linked with his services, and the broader implications of his potential departure. We will explore his struggles this season, the reasons behind his diminished role at Arsenal, and the impact of his potential departure on both his current club and the clubs vying for his signature.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s transfer to Arsenal in the summer of 2022 was met with a great deal of optimism. Having come from Manchester City, where he had worked under Pep Guardiola for several years, the Ukrainian was expected to bring a wealth of experience to a young and developing Arsenal squad. His ability to operate in multiple positions—either as a left-back or in central midfield—was seen as a key asset, giving Mikel Arteta flexibility in his tactical setup.
However, despite the promise, Zinchenko has not been able to secure a regular spot in Arteta’s starting XI. The 2023-2024 season, in particular, has been difficult for the 26-year-old. Injuries, a lack of consistency, and fierce competition for places in the Arsenal lineup have meant that Zinchenko has been relegated to a backup role for much of the season. He has made just seven appearances in the Premier League this term, far fewer than many would have expected for a player of his quality.
The problem for Zinchenko has been twofold: first, Arteta has preferred to use other options at left-back, including Kieran Tierney, and second, the rise of young players in midfield, particularly Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, has seen Zinchenko struggle to find a place in the team in his preferred central role. This has led to frustrations for the player, who was once regarded as one of the most talented left-backs in the Premier League.
While Zinchenko has undoubtedly shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Arsenal, particularly in the 2022-2023 season, his overall contribution has not been as consistent as he or the club would have hoped. As the 2024-2025 season has progressed, it has become clear that he no longer fits into Arteta’s long-term plans, and a departure seems increasingly likely.
In recent weeks, there has been considerable interest from abroad regarding Zinchenko’s potential move away from Arsenal. The most notable club linked with the player is Galatasaray, the Turkish Super Lig giants, who have reportedly ramped up their pursuit of the Ukrainian defender. Galatasaray, led by veteran manager Okan Buruk, is currently top of the Turkish league and looking to bolster their squad as they aim to retain their domestic title and push for success in European competitions. The club has been targeting several high-profile players during this transfer window, and Zinchenko has emerged as one of their primary targets.
Reports have suggested that Galatasaray has been in discussions with Zinchenko’s agent for some time, with the Turkish club reportedly eager to secure his services on a loan deal for the rest of the season, with a possible option to buy at the end of the campaign. Galatasaray’s pursuit of Zinchenko made sense given the club’s need for experienced players to strengthen their defense and add depth to their squad as they continue their title push.
However, despite the apparent interest from Galatasaray, things have not progressed smoothly. According to Turkish media, Zinchenko’s representatives have informed the club that they are currently in talks with Borussia Dortmund, one of the biggest clubs in Germany. This revelation has thrown a spanner in the works for Galatasaray, who now face serious competition from the Bundesliga side.
Dortmund, while not currently in contention for the Bundesliga title, remains one of the most well-run clubs in Europe, with a strong tradition of developing talent and competing at a high level in the Champions League. Their interest in Zinchenko indicates that the Ukrainian has been identified as a player who could help strengthen their squad in the short term and provide much-needed depth to their defense. The opportunity to play in the Champions League, a competition that Dortmund regularly competes in, could also prove appealing to Zinchenko, who has yet to make a significant impact on the European stage with Arsenal.
The race for Zinchenko’s signature now appears to be heating up, with Galatasaray facing stiff competition from Dortmund, and potentially other European clubs that may yet enter the fray. As the January transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen which club Zinchenko will choose to join, but it is clear that his time at Arsenal may be coming to an end.
If Zinchenko were to leave Arsenal, it would mark the end of a short but eventful chapter at the club. His departure would have significant implications for both the player and Arsenal. For Zinchenko, a move away from the Gunners could provide him with the opportunity to regain his form and rediscover the kind of performances that made him such a valuable asset at Manchester City. A fresh start at a club like Galatasaray or Borussia Dortmund could give him the playing time and stability he needs to get back to his best.
For Arsenal, the loss of Zinchenko would not be without consequence. While the Ukrainian has not played a major role this season, he is still a player of high quality, and his departure would leave Arteta with fewer options at left-back and in midfield. Kieran Tierney, who has also struggled for regular minutes at Arsenal, may find himself more important to the team if Zinchenko departs, but the loss of Zinchenko’s versatility would still be a blow.
Additionally, Arsenal could face a situation where they need to bring in a replacement if Zinchenko leaves. Arteta has shown that he is keen on having a squad with depth and flexibility, and losing Zinchenko would leave a gap in the team that may need to be filled. Whether the club opts to bring in another player during this transfer window or waits until the summer remains to be seen, but Zinchenko’s potential departure would certainly have ripple effects across the squad.
Zinchenko’s potential departure from Arsenal is not happening in a vacuum. The 2025 winter transfer window has seen a number of high-profile moves already, and clubs across Europe are busy making decisions about their squads. While some players have already made their moves, others, like Zinchenko, are still weighing their options. The situation surrounding Zinchenko also highlights a broader trend in European football, where many top clubs are looking for versatile players who can contribute in multiple positions. Zinchenko’s ability to play both as a left-back and in midfield is something that makes him attractive to clubs like Galatasaray and Borussia Dortmund, who are looking to strengthen their squads in a variety of ways.
At the same time, the increasing importance of squad depth and rotation is evident across Europe’s top leagues. Clubs are playing more matches than ever, with the demands of domestic leagues, domestic cups, and European competitions stretching squads thin. As a result, players who can operate in multiple positions—such as Zinchenko—are in high demand. This trend is likely to continue as clubs seek to build squads that are capable of competing on all fronts.
As the January transfer window continues, the situation surrounding Oleksandr Zinchenko remains one of the most intriguing transfer stories in European football. His struggles for regular playing time at Arsenal, coupled with interest from Galatasaray and Borussia Dortmund, suggest that his future lies away from North London. Zinchenko’s versatility, experience, and ability to contribute in multiple positions make him an attractive option for a number of clubs, and it remains to be seen which team will secure his signature before the window closes.
For Arsenal, Zinchenko’s departure would mark the end of an era, but it may also open the door for new opportunities and reinforcements in the squad. Whether or not Arteta chooses to make a move for a replacement this window, Zinchenko’s potential exit is sure to have significant ramifications for the club.
As for the player himself, a move away from Arsenal could be the fresh start he needs to revive his career and once again become the player he was at Manchester City. Whether it’s Galatasaray, Borussia Dortmund, or another club, Zinchenko will undoubtedly have options, and his next move will be a crucial one for both his future and his footballing career.
