Ligue 1 club interested in signing an arsenal star, 28 years old,

Olympique Marseille works on an agreement to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko in the back of Arsenal Athletics. The side of Ligue 1 is considering a permanent decision, but salary requests remain a significant obstacle.

The 28 -year -old Ukrainian international has entered the last 12 months of his contract at the Emirates. He only made 23 appearances in all competitions in 2024-25, signaling a change in the plans of Mikel Arteta as arsenal remodel their defensive structure.

Zinchenko arrived from Manchester City in 2022 for 30 million pounds sterling plus additional modules, becoming the favorite left rear of Arteta during his first two seasons. He was a key figure of the team that has finished putting an end to the long waiting of Arsenal for a title of the Premier League twice, making 33 and 35 appearances in these campaigns.

Last season told another story. The graduate of the Myles Lewis-Skelly Academy emerged as the starting left back, with Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior and Riccardo Calafiori offering additional competition. As a sporting note, the place of Zinchenko in the team is no longer guaranteed.

Zinchenko’s pursuit of Marseille occurs for an ambitious summer under the new head coach Roberto de Zerbi. The French club has already added the former arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who joined a free transfer after leaving Saudi Arabia al-Qadsiah.

Salary is the main stumbling block. Zinchenko salaries in Arsenal are considerable, and Marseille will have to find financial solutions to postpone the agreement before the deadline for Monday. However, there is a clear determination to explore the opportunity.

The Arsenal transfer window has already experienced an important activity. Ebelechi Eze, Viktor Gyokerres, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Christian Norgaard all arrived. The work continues on a decision for the defender of Bayer Leverkusen, Piero Hincie, with the agreed transfer of Jakub Kiwior to Porto according to the completion of this agreement.

Departures also reshaped the defensive line. Kieran Tierney joined Celtic, Takehiro Tomiyasu left for a free transfer, and Nuno Tavares finished a permanent passage in Lazio. With Zinchenko now the subject of interest of Marseille, the Department of the left rear of Arsenal undergoes a major reset.

For supporters of Arsenal, the situation with Zinchenko is tinged with gratitude and inevitability. His arrival of Manchester City in 2022 was essential. He brought leadership, tactical intelligence and a winning mentality, helping Arsenal to get closer that ever to recover the crown of the Premier League. Its reversed role in the midfielder defines game models that defined Arteta’s tactical evolution.

However, football evolves quickly. Zinchenko’s defensive vulnerabilities have become more apparent, especially against fast players and injuries disturbed his pace. The emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly, associated with the versatility of wood and calafiori, pushed it into hierarchical order. Supporters can see why the club is open to separation ways, especially since they rebuild for supported title challenges.

Marseille feels like a good destination. Under Zerbi, Zinchenko would probably prosper in heavy football in possession, with his technical forces highlighted rather than exposed. Many arsenal fans would like him good luck, in particular given his contribution to the lifting of team standards. However, they will also recognize the importance of Arsenal’s refreshment. With Eze, Gyokerres and Zubimenddi already in and targeted Hincapie, the reconstruction of Arteta is accelerating. Zinchenko’s potential departure is a natural step in this process.