Arsenal could be set to make a few surprise sales this summer, and several players in one position may all depart.
Left-backs Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares have both returned from loan, and neither appear to be in Mikel Arteta’s plans for next season.
Jakub Kiwior could also depart as there is interest in the Poland International from Italian giants Juventus, AC Milan and Napoli, and with Arsenal closing in on a deal for Riccardo Calafiori, he could be surplus to requirements.
The future of Oleksandr Zinchenko remains uncertain as well. The Ukrainian has just two years left on his contract, with no talks over an extension, and he is coming off the back of a campaign in which he admitted he was not at his best level.
Arsenal could sell Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer
The Mirror have now reported that with Calafiori potentially arriving, and even with Kiwior departing, “offers are likely to be considered” for Zinchenko should any arrive.
The 27-year-old was previously linked with Bayern Munich, and as a four-time Premier League winner who can play in defence or midfield, he could be a valuable asset on the market.
Kevin de Bruyne recently called Zinchenko “unbelievable,” and the former Man City star was indeed excellent in his first season at the Emirates after his £32m move, but questions were raised over his defensive displays in the last few months.
Jurrien Timber could replace Oleksandr Zinchenko in the Arsenal squad
Jurrien Timber joined from Ajax last summer, but only appeared on the first and last days of the Premier League season as he suffered a brutal anterior cruciate ligament injury on his debut.
If Calafiori comes in to replace Kiwior’s minutes, and Zinchenko leaves, Timber could simply take his minutes at left-back or even on the right.
Takehiro Tomiyasu also missed a significant chunk of last season, and will hope for better injury luck.
Zinchenko made 27 league appearances, with 20 coming from the start, and totalled 1725 minutes of action. Tomiyasu made 22 appearances with a total of 1143 minutes, whilst Kiwior appeared 20 times with just 945 minutes played.
If Tomiyasu increases his minutes in positions across the back line, with Timber also appearing significantly more, and Calafiori coming in, they can replace both Kiwior and Zinchenko’s combined minutes without another addition in the area, and both will represent upgrades in the position.
Arsenal chasing Riccardo Calafiori and mystery German target as England face Switzerland
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent victory over Slovakia at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka featuring again, Man City star Kyle Walker came under scrutiny.
With Arsenal also linked to Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, the pair explained why the Italy star could be the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta. Recent social media rumours surrounding a potential Arsenal move for a Germany International were also addressed, with some candidates named.
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