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Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal could replace Oleksandr Zinchenko

By on April 17, 2024

Oleksandr Zinchenko Gabriel Jesus

Fabrizio Romano, speaking to Caught Offside, may have just revealed the news that practically every fan who watched Arsenal lose to Aston Villa wants to hear: the Gunners are likely to sign a left-back this summer.

There are high expectations for what the upcoming summer transfer window will bring to Mikel Arteta’s project. Of course, there have been significant improvements this season.

Prior to the loss to Villa, Arsenal had been unbeaten in 11 games and appeared to be favourites to win the league. Obviously those chances were dented last weekend, but the Gunners are clearly heading in the right direction.

Whatever happens in the title race, Arteta is expected to strengthen his squad this summer and widespread media reports claim his main priority is bringing in a top striker and a central midfielder.

Zinchenko and the left-back

However, Fabrizio Romano now claims a move for a left-back could also be in the works.

“As has been reported, I can confirm that it’s a possibility for Arsenal to go for a new left-back in the summer. It’s not guaranteed yet because they still have to hold more meetings to discuss their summer plans, but a new left-back is one of the possibilities for the summer transfer window,” Romano said.

Oleksander Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu have endured injury problems in recent seasons and neither has been able to nail down the left-back spot. With Zinchenko’s defensive frailties also exposed recently, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Arteta bring in another left-back.

The 2022 £32m recruit was a poor versus Villa and many Arsenal fans have lost faith in the Ukraine international. Some even want him sold, but Romano claims no decision has been made over his future yet.

“There’s also been some speculation about the future of Oleksandr Zinchenko, but my understanding is that nothing has been discussed yet with him; the full focus is on the final weeks of the season before that,” added the Italian transfer guru.

It is unlikely that Zinchenko will remain Arsenal’s left-back long-term. Jurrien Timber could be in Arteta’s thoughts for next season after he started out at left-back before getting injured.

If Arsenal do end up bringing in another left-back, the likes of Feneberhace’s Ferdi Kadioglu and Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo have been touted as potential targets.