Oleksandr Zinchenko has admitted he is unsure about his long-term future at Arsenal, with no ongoing discussions over a contract extension. The Ukrainian defender, whose current deal runs until the summer of 2026, has struggled for consistency this season and faces an uncertain summer, with reports suggesting Mikel Arteta is open to selling him.
The 28-year-old joined Arsenal from Manchester City in July 2022 for a reported fee of £32 million. Initially a key figure in Arteta’s tactical setup, his technical ability and versatility made him a crucial part of the squad. However, injuries and defensive lapses have seen him fall down the pecking order, with the Arsenal boss preferring alternatives such as Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior at left-back.
Zinchenko Addresses His Arsenal Future.
Speaking about his situation at the Emirates, Zinchenko acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future but maintained his commitment to the club for the remainder of the season.
“I don’t know yet, to be honest. If I knew, I would tell you. There’s still a long way to go until the end of the season. Right now, we are entering the most crucial period where every single game is like a final, and you never know what will happen in football,” Zinchenko told TribalFootball.
Despite his reduced role, the former Manchester City man insists he remains dedicated to the team whenever called upon.
“Honestly, I am so happy to be part of this amazing club and team. It is a joy to be close to these guys. Whenever the team and head coach need me, I am there, in any position they need me, to help,” he added.
Limited Game Time This Season.
Zinchenko has struggled for consistent minutes this season, making 17 appearances across all competitions, with just two starts each in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. His only goal of the campaign came in the 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in January, a game where he showcased his attacking quality despite defensive concerns.
Defensive frailties, particularly his positioning and physicality in one-on-one duels, have been areas of concern for Arteta. Arsenal have looked more defensively stable when deploying Tomiyasu or Kiwior in his place, leading to speculation that the club could look to cash in on him this summer.
Will Arsenal Offload Zinchenko?
With Arsenal expected to reinforce their squad in the summer, Zinchenko could be one of the high-profile departures. The Gunners have been linked with several defensive targets, including Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori and Real Sociedad’s Kieran Tierney, who is currently on loan from Arsenal.
If Arteta decides to part ways with the Ukrainian, Arsenal could look to recoup a significant portion of the £32 million they invested in him. With two years left on his contract, this summer would be an ideal time for the club to sell and reinvest in the squad.
For now, Zinchenko remains focused on helping Arsenal in their push for silverware, but his long-term future at the club remains uncertain.
