The player known as ‘Mr Composure’ appears set to bid farewell to Arsenal this summer, potentially leaving his shirt number as a welcome gift for Viktor Gyokeres. After three seasons with the club, Oleksandr Zinchenko might now be heading for the exit at the Emirates Stadium.
With Mikel Arteta’s hunt for a striker still ongoing, Zinchenko’s potential departure could free up the number 17 jersey for Gyokeres, should Arsenal make a move for the Sporting CP striker
Gyokeres has famously donned the No. 9 jersey during his prolific spell in Portugal. However, that number is currently occupied by Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal. But the No. 17 also holds significance for the Swedish star, having previously worn it at Coventry City, IF Brommapojkarna and for his national team, reports Football London.
At present, it’s believed that Arteta prefers RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko to bolster his attack. Yet if a switch to Gyokeres happens, the jersey looks likely to be available for the 27-year-old, provided Zinchenko gets the go-ahead to leave North London.
Despite Zinchenko appearing surplus to requirements at Arsenal, the Ukrainian star has been the subject of much admiration from his teammates and manager over the years. Declan Rice once dubbed him ‘Mr Composure’ following a typically reliable performance.
After Zinchenko’s mishap contributed to a tight 2-1 victory over Wolves in December 2023, Arteta stood by his player, saying: “You have to love him, how he is. Every player has strengths and weaknesses. Alex has many more strengths.”
William Saliba also showered praise on his teammate. He took to Instagram, lauding Zinchenko with a comment under a photo of the player engaged in padel: “You the best at everything [love heart eyes emoji].”
Arsenal are rumoured to have slapped a £17 million valuation on Zinchenko, a price AC Milan seem prepared to meet. Despite this, it’s understood that the Gunners may be open to a lower offer, considering Zinchenko is approaching the final year of his contract.
With just 15 appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League last term, Zinchenko’s season was marred by injury setbacks. The rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly appears to be an obstacle to Zinchenko’s progress at Arsenal, with the English prodigy reportedly on the verge of penning a new deal.
Furthermore, Riccardo Calafiori has often been preferred at left-back over Zinchenko throughout the campaign. In March, Zinchenko expressed uncertainty about his career prospects.
“I don’t know yet to be honest,” said the 26 year old. “If I knew, I could tell you. It’s still a long way to go until the end of the season.
“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. Whenever the team and head coach needs me, I am there. In any position they need me, I am there to help.”
