Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is being tracked by Real Betis, who have “burst into the race” for the out-of-favour Ukrainian, according to Fichajes.
The 2024/25 campaign was another “nearly” season for Arsenal, who finished second in the Premier League for a third consecutive year. The Gunners did well to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, but it was yet another season without silverware for Arsenal, who last lifted a trophy in 2020.
Mikel Arteta, all too aware of this, has overseen a busy summer for Arsenal so far. Six new faces have arrived at the Emirates. A trio of these additions, winger Noni Madueke, midfielder Christian Norgaard and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, are from the Premier League and from La Liga, Arsenal have recruited Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera.
Arsenal’s biggest signing to date is, without doubt, Viktor Gyokeres, the striker having become a sensation with Sporting Lisbon. As the Gunners prepare for what could prove to be a crucial season for their team, they will have to brace for potential departures from their squad, with one player in particular now being touted for an exit.
Joining Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, Oleksandr Zinchenko became an important first-team player for the Gunners, featuring prominently in his first two campaigns with the club.
Last season, however, saw Zinchenko’s minutes reduced, the Ukrainian international falling behind both Riccardo Calafiori and breakout talent Myles Lewis-Skelly. In midfield, meanwhile, Zinchenko’s chances at first-team football were limited due to the presence of talents such as Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
A departure from Arsenal for Zinchenko this summer has appeared likely for some time and according to Fichajes, Real Betis are the latest club to show interest. Betis, who were runners-up in last season’s Conference League, could offer Zinchenko minutes as either a left-back or midfielder, the 28-year-old being comfortable in either position.
Zinchenko, who earns £200,000 per week, reportedly wants consistent football ahead of the World Cup next year, something that he may struggle to gain should he stay in North London given the players ahead of him in the pecking order.
