Arsenal have reportedly set a surprisingly low transfer fee of £17 million for their versatile full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, as AC Milan intensify their pursuit of the Ukrainian star, according to reports from Italy. The 28-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Manchester City in 2022 for around £30 million, has been a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad, but his future at the Emirates appears uncertain with just one year left on his contract.
Zinchenko’s time at Arsenal has been marked by his adaptability, often playing in multiple positions, including left-back and midfield, earning him praise as an influential dressing-room presence. However, the emergence of young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly and the recent signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna have limited Zinchenko’s opportunities in Arteta’s starting lineup. With his contract set to expire in 2026, Arsenal face a critical decision: sell now or risk losing him for free next summer.
AC Milan, one of Serie A’s most storied clubs, have identified Zinchenko as a prime target to replace their outgoing left-back Theo Hernandez, who is reportedly bound for Al-Hilal. According to Corriere dello Sport, Milan’s sporting director, Igli Tare, has already initiated contact with intermediaries to facilitate the transfer. The reported £17 million price tag is seen as a bargain for a player of Zinchenko’s experience and versatility, but his wage demands could pose a challenge for the Rossoneri.
The Ukrainian international is said to be open to the move, eager to secure regular playing time ahead of the 2025/26 season. Despite interest from other clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, Milan appear to be in pole position to secure his signature. However, the Serie A giants are also considering alternatives, such as Club Brugge’s Maxim De Cuyper, should negotiations with Arsenal falter.
Zinchenko’s future has been a topic of speculation since March, when he admitted uncertainty about his role at Arsenal. “I don’t know yet, to be honest,” he said at the time. “It’s still a long way to go until the end of the season. Every single game is a final, and you never know what is going to happen in football.” Despite his reduced playing time, Zinchenko expressed his happiness at Arsenal, stating, “I am so happy to be part of this amazing club and team. Whenever the team and head coach needs me, I am there to help, even if I’m in the stands.”
For Arsenal, the decision to set a £17 million price tag could be seen as a strategic move to capitalize on Zinchenko’s market value before his contract nears its end. However, the figure has raised eyebrows, given his proven quality in the Premier League and his contributions to Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta. For AC Milan, securing Zinchenko at this price could prove to be a shrewd acquisition, adding a seasoned international to their squad as they aim to compete for the Serie A title.
As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on whether Milan can finalize a deal for Zinchenko and how Arsenal will navigate the departure of one of their most versatile players. Will the Gunners’ ‘shocking’ price tag pave the way for Zinchenko’s Italian adventure, or will complications over wages or rival interest derail the move? Only time will tell.