Marseille push to sign Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko as De Zerbi seeks a versatile left-back before transfer window closes.
Olympique Marseille are actively working on a transfer deal to sign Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to The Athletic. The French club sees the Ukrainian international as a key addition to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes.
Zinchenko’s versatility makes him an attractive option for Marseille. He can play as a left-back or central midfielder, fitting perfectly into Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical system. With Quentin Merlin leaving for Stade Rennais and failed attempts to sign Emerson Palmieri and Kostas Tsimikas, Marseille urgently need a reliable replacement.
Zinchenko’s experience in the Premier League and Champions League adds value to Marseille’s European campaign. His leadership and technical skills could help the club compete at a higher level.
Since joining Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, Zinchenko has struggled for consistent game time. In the 2025/26 season, he has made only 11 appearances, with just three starts. Arsenal’s new signings, including Riccardo Calafiori and rising talent Myles Lewis-Skelly, have pushed Zinchenko down the pecking order.
He was notably absent from Arsenal’s season opener against Manchester United, fueling speculation about a potential exit.
Transfer Fee and Salary Challenges
Marseille are negotiating a permanent deal, but Zinchenko’s high wages—reportedly between £150,000 and £200,000 per week—pose a challenge. Arsenal are open to selling him for a fee between £10 million and £15 million. Marseille may explore options like performance-based bonuses or wage-sharing agreements to finalize the deal.
With the transfer window closing on September 1, Marseille must act quickly. Zinchenko is reportedly open to a move, though not actively pushing for an exit. Talks between the clubs are expected to accelerate in the coming days.
Oleksandr Zinchenko transfer to Marseille could be one of the most strategic moves of the summer. If completed, it would benefit both clubs and offer Zinchenko a fresh start in Ligue 1.
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