Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Jakub Kiwior reacts to Zinchenko's 'incredible' message as Arsenal exit looms

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Jakub Kiwior reacted to Oleksandr Zinchenko's latest social media message as rumours circulate around the defender's future at Arsenal.

The 28-year-old full-back's involvement has been limited during the 2024/25 season, making just five Premier League starts, which has prompted reports of a potential summer exit for the Ukrainian.

Football Insider understood as recently as last month that Zinchenko is edging closer to an Arsenal exit, with growing interest from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

Boasting a wealth of experience with Man City and the Gunners, in addition to his 73 international caps for Ukraine, there is no doubt that whichever club claims his signature will be gaining a talented player.

Despite primarily playing as a left-back at club level, he is more than capable of playing further forward, even at attacking midfield, as proven by his winning goal against New Zealand on Wednesday, 11 June.

Oleksandr Zinchenko continues to impress ahead of Arsenal exit

Taking to Instagram (11 June), Zinchenko wrote: "It was a pleasure to see many Ukrainians during their stay in Canada and want to thank everyone for the incredible support we felt during the games, and even off the football field.

"Glory to Ukraine, and Heroes out glory," with his post gaining a like from club teammate Kiwior.

Myles Lewis-Skelly the clear left-back option for Mikel Arteta

Football Insider verdict

Mikel Arteta clearly has a much better left-back option in Myles Lewis-Skelly ahead of next season, despite the 18-year-old making just 39 first-team appearances since coming into the side permanently.

The youngster's inexperience has certainly shown at times, especially when Lewis-Skelly was sent off against West Ham, in which Keith Hackett slammed Craig Pawson for not immediately showing a red card.

However, with the 2025/26 campaign available to give the teenager some much-needed minutes on the pitch, the Arsenal manager has a real talent at his disposal.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arsenal
Oleksandr Zinchenko's Arsenal stats. (Credit: Getty Images)

Zinchenko is unlikely to be the only big-name player leaving this summer, with Riccardo Calafiori potentially already leaving Arsenal, Mick Brown told Football Insider.

Raheem Sterling won't stay, while Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes have been linked with exits, but if Arteta wants to build forward, he must keep his biggest stars at the club ahead of next season.

Arteta is under considerable pressure to win silverware at Arsenal, and with Andrea Berta now involved with transfers at the Emirates, there is no excuse for not getting the needed players in this summer.

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