Arsenal Defender Edging Closer to Emirates Exit with Dortmund Leading the Chase

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Reports suggest that Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are lining up a possible January transfer window move for Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko after his recent drop in the pecking order.

Borussia Dortmund is reportedly prepared to make a move for Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, before the January transfer window closes, according to The Telegraph. The Bundesliga giants have identified Zinchenko as their top target at left-back after missing out on Chelsea’s Renato Veiga, who is heading to Juventus on loan.

Zinchenko, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for a reported £30 million, has struggled to secure a regular place in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup this season. The emergence of youth academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly and the return of Riccardo Calafiori from injury have further limited Zinchenko’s opportunities. Although he was initially a regular in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup, injuries and inconsistent performances have seen him fall down the pecking order recently.

The 28-year-old has made 13 appearances across all competitions in the 2024-25 season, with only four of those being starts. Arteta has favored Jakub Kiwior, Riccardo Calafiori, and youth Myles Lewis-Skelly over him, indicating that he could be on the verge of an exit.

Despite his reduced role at Arsenal, Zinchenko remains a popular figure within the dressing room and among the staff. Dortmund’s interest in the 28-year-old Ukrainian defender comes as they seek to reinforce their squad following the recent sacking of manager Nuri Sahin.