Expert: Arsenal plan to accept Zinchenko bid

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Arsenal are open to letting Oleksandr Zinchenko leave the club this month and will look to move him on should any offers arrive.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 28-year-old is no longer a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider in November that the Ukraine international is one of three first-team stars Arsenal were keen to sell in an attempt to raise funds.

Zinchenko has been pushed to the fringes of the Gunners’ squad so far this season, having made just 11 appearances and three starts across all competitions.

The left-back has spent an extended period on the sidelines with a recurring calf issue, and has fallen down the pecking order in recent seasons.

Both Jurien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori were brought in by Arteta to strengthen the position, forcing Zinchenko out of his plans.

Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that the Gunners have been “closely watching” Crystal Palace star Tyrick Mitchell to further strengthen their options.

Arsenal plan to cash in on Oleksandr Zinchenko after new twist

Zinchenko first arrived at Arsenal while Arteta was looking to add quality and winning experience to his squad, but there is a feeling they have now moved past the need for his presence.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Arteta sent a message about his future with the signings of Timber and Calafiori.

“I’m expecting him to leave Arsenal,” he told Football Insider.

“When he went there, he was one of a few decent players who helped stabilise things, but they’re not top-class. It was the same with Jesus.

“He’s never going to be a regular in that team now, he’s fallen down the pecking order.

“Arteta showed that by going out and getting Timber and Calafiori.

“Zinchenko is another one of these players who is good on the ball and can move into midfield, but they always had concerns about him defensively.

“So if a club comes in for him in the January window, I think Arsenal will let him go.

“He’s not a part of their plans for the future and doesn’t seem to fit in with how they play at the moment.”

In other news, Crystal Palace respond to Arsenal interest in Tyrick Mitchell.

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The post Expert: Arsenal plan to accept Zinchenko bid appeared first on Football Insider.