Arsenal’s summer rebuild has been headline-grabbing, with Eberechi Eze set to become the club’s seventh arrival under new sporting director Andrea Berta. After splashing close to £250 million on recruits including Viktor Gyökeres (£63m), Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke, the focus in the final two weeks of the transfer window is expected to turn towards outgoings.
One of the names firmly in the spotlight is Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Walcott Says It’s Time for Zinchenko to Move On
The Ukrainian international joined Arsenal from Manchester City for £30m back in 2022, but his future in North London now looks uncertain. Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has publicly suggested the Gunners should part ways with the 28-year-old before the window shuts.
Speaking on Sky Sports News via TikTok, Walcott said:
“Zinchenko, I love his experience but I feel like he’ll want to move on, so he should go.”
Zinchenko has slipped down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order, with summer signing Riccardo Calafiori and academy talent Myles Lewis-Skelly both ahead of him for a starting berth. Fulham are reportedly keen, while Borussia Dortmund and Fenerbahce have also been linked. Arsenal may struggle to recoup the original £30m fee but could still demand around £15m from a Premier League buyer.
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Kiwior Backed to Stay
Jakub Kiwior is another player whose future has been the subject of speculation, with Serie A clubs circling. Arsenal could fetch upwards of £25m for the Polish defender, but Walcott believes the club should resist cashing in.
“[Kiwior should] stay. We need a bit of support in that position,” Walcott insisted.
His argument holds weight—should both Kiwior and Zinchenko leave, Arsenal would be heavily reliant on Gabriel Magalhães, Calafiori, and Lewis-Skelly staying injury-free. Given Calafiori’s history of fitness issues, that would be a considerable gamble.
The Verdict
Walcott’s comments may sting for Zinchenko, a player once viewed as pivotal to Arteta’s evolving system. But with Arsenal’s left side undergoing a reshuffle and funds needed after a lavish summer spree, a departure now feels like the logical next step.
