Arsenal have offered Oleksandr Zinchenko to Lazio as the Gunners prepare to shuffle their defensive pack this summer, according to reports. The Ukrainian full-back, once lauded for his ball control and astute reading of the game, has found himself isolated in the Emirates Stadium over the last season. Zinchenko’s future in the North London looks even more uncertain with Mikel Arteta reportedly interested in a more robust and defensively sound left-back.
Zinchenko signed for Arsenal from English rivals Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for around £30m and was an instant key figure in the routine of Arteta. The man who can drop into midfield and orchestrate from deep changed Arsenal’s build-up dynamic in their 2022/23 title push. But his input has been overshadowed by vulnerabilities in defence and fitness problems. In the 2024/25 season, he featured sparingly, with Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu preferred in key moments due to their defensive stability.
LSN writes that #Lazio has been offered the services of Oleksandr #Zinchenko. pic.twitter.com/w2VBWbj7Vz
The 27-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract, but Arsenal are ready to do business – be that a loan with an obligation to buy or a permanent transfer. Lazio, who are preparing themselves for a new era under new coach, Maurizio Sarri – are reportedly considering a move for Zinchenko to Rome. The Italian club consider him to be someone that can add some leadership, experience and technical brilliance to the left flank, especially after the likely departure of Elseid Hysaj.
Lazio reportedly want a cut-price deal, while Arsenal currently demand £20–25 million for Zinchenko. Given his wages and recent injury record, the Gunners might need to lower their valuation or approve a loan-to-buy arrangement. This move would help them clear notational wages off the books and improve their chances of breaking even under Financial Fair Play rules for a fourth consecutive hectic transfer window.
Oleksandr Zinchenko to Lazio would be surprise to many a fans’ of both clubs. For Lazio, the Ukraine international represents an opportunity to inject continental pedigree into a side looking to regain its Serie A top-four status. He is a versatile player as he also has played in the midfield during his career and could perhaps serve as a tactical weapon Sarri’s possession-based approach.
🚨NEW
Zinchenko, no longer in Arsenal’s plans, is linked with a €5M transfer to Lazio. His €5M net salary exceeds Lazio’s budget. He’s also been offered to Juventus and Milan.
Lazio, under Sarri, is open to defensive reshuffles but not rushing. Salary talks are key pic.twitter.com/jCpk8F5pdv
Arsenal, by contrast, are already plotting defensive reinforcements. Links to Feyenoord’s Quilindschy Hartman and Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori imply Arteta wants his full-backs to be a tad more defensive, and more robust, as they are certainly up to the challenge of Premier League football. Zinchenko’s exit would free up wages and potentially some money to go towards the reinforcements, particularly as the club look to make a deep run in the Champions League next season.
With Euro 2024 on the horizon, Zinchenko will want to put himself in the shop window. A decent tournament could either attract more suitors or convince Lazio to pull the trigger and get the deal done for pre-season, which begins in July.
The prospect of Oleksandr Zinchenko joining Lazio does not smack of an impatient departure for anyone wanting more action. You can’t ignore his importance to Arsenal’s revival, in particularly the title challenge of 2022/23, but the tactical direction under Arteta has shifted. There’s been a move from the ball-moving, technical team of the past to the physically dominating, positionally secure team in the back.
For Zinchenko, Lazio might be offering a more relaxed tactical backdrop and a new beginning in a league that cherishes technical full-backs. At 27, he should have plenty left to give, particularly in the slower world of Serie A. This is not a story of failure, but of the fit and the timing not being quite right. If the move materialises, it could be a smart resolution for all parties involved—club, player, and prospective buyer.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
