‘Fulham preparing for life without Antonee Robinson with Arsenal approach’
Fulham may be preparing for life without Antonee Robinson with their latest approach in the transfer market.
Robinson has been among the best left-backs in the Premier League in recent seasons, registering 16 top-flight assists since the start of 2023/24 and proving himself consistently solid defensively.
But with that form has come links of a move away from Craven Cottage for the 50-time US international.
Liverpool were thought to be long-time admirers of Robinson before they signed Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, while Man United have also been sounded out as a good fit.
Oleksandr Zinchenko talks begin amid Robinson exit rumours
According to GIVEMESPORT (30 July), Fulham have made an approach for Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko.
It’s understood the Gunners are demanding a fee of around £15million for the Ukraine international, who has fallen behind Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori in the left-back pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.
Fulham have already entered talks with the player’s representatives, with dialogue ongoing since June, with a formal bid now being considered.
Interest in Zinchenko is being fuelled by the possibility of Robinson making a switch to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Nassr looking at the Everton youth academy graduate — though it remains unclear whether or not the player would be open to the move at this point.
Fulham lining up Raheem Sterling bid
News of Fulham’s interest in Zinchenko comes hot on the heels of a potential push for Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling.
The England international has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and endured an unsuccessful loan spell at Arsenal last season — registering just one goal and five assists in 28 appearances.
But according to former Everton and Aston Villa chief Keith Wyness, Sterling could be offered salvation by Chelsea’s close West London neighbours.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think we’re looking at a very high loan fee and some sort of wage contribution from Chelsea.
“As I understand it, I can’t believe it, but I’m told that Sterling’s on £300k per week. That’s a big, big number, so I think that’s the only way Chelsea could get anything, because he isn’t going to play a role for them in the first team this year. I just don’t see it at all.
“At Fulham, he could operate as a winger and he’s certainly got something to give there to a degree. It’s going to be something like a £5m loan fee, which is high, and then a contribution from Chelsea. Can they get to 50/50 on the wages? I don’t know.
“Fulham have got the highest season ticket prices in the league and the highest tickets. So they’ve got some sort of money, even though it’s a low-capacity ground.
“Putting it all on Raheem Sterling as your big bet, that’s a question mark. Maybe they should just leave Chelsea to handle that big problem themselves. That’s what they’ll be doing in negotiations, making Chelsea very aware that they’re gonna get stuck with a big bill unless they help them reduce the cost slightly.
“Fulham may have a few cards here to play but I think Sterling has still got something to give Fulham for the next couple of seasons. Mr. Sterling has been around for what seems like forever. We’ve all watched him play for many, many years now, and I remember him at Liverpool.
“Let’s see if Fulham can negotiate, but I think they’re in a strong position, with Chelsea having that big millstone of a huge wage around their necks.”