Oleksandr Zinchenko sends message to Kai Havertz amid Arsenal speculation
Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko posted a message on social media as speculation continues around his future.
The Ukraine international made only his fourth start of the season in Arsenal’s convincing 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb on 22 January.
Declan Rice opened the scoring just two minutes into the game after Gabriel Martinelli’s cross was cushioned into his path by Kai Havertz for a composed finish.
The German doubled the lead in the second half, heading home another pinpoint cross from Martinelli. Skipper Martin Odegaard completed the scoring with a third goal.
Zinchenko was substituted after 74 minutes for another full-back linked with a transfer, Kieran Tierney.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Zinchenko took to Instagram to celebrate the win, sharing a picture with Havertz on his story captioned, “Waka Waka” in reference to the goalscorer’s chant.
Arsenal may have to cut their losses on Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko was handed a rare start but appears to have fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta. Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly are now preferred options in his position.
Football Insider previously revealed that the Ukrainian left-back is considered surplus to requirements at Arsenal, with the club open to letting him leave during the January transfer window.
Borussia Dortmund are one of those clubs linked and are ready to make a move [The Telegraph]. This is despite initially considering Renato Veiga instead as a deal for Zinchenko was deemed “expensive”.
The versatile defender has made just 12 appearances this season, with only four starts, signaling his reduced role in Arteta’s plans.
Football Insider Verdict
It’s clear that a transfer for the former Man City player would benefit all parties involved. Arsenal may need to raise funds this window as they continue their search for a forward, following injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
At 28, Zinchenko still has plenty to offer, and a move to Dortmund would be appealing given his limited opportunities at the Emirates in recent seasons.
In other news, Arsenal fans have slammed the club following a Benjamin Sesko transfer update.
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