- Kompany appointed Bayern boss
- Eyes Zinchenko as first signing
- Ukrainian out of favour at Arsenal
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to The Mirror, Bayern are monitoring Oleksandr Zinchenko’s situation at Arsenal after the Ukraine international fell out of favour in Mikel Arteta’s squad throughout the 2023-24 campaign. The 27-year-old was the third choice at left-back at the Emirates Stadium, behind Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Kompany, who was unveiled as Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Bayern on Thursday, could secure Zinchenko as his first signing at Bayern. The new boss played with Zinchenko at City until Kompany left to join his former club Anderlecht in 2019. The former defender went on to become a player-manager shortly after, before moving to Burnley and now Bayern.
Zinchenko originally joined Arsenal for £35 million ($44m) in 2022 and has since made 54 appearances for the north London side.
WHAT ZINCHENKO SAID
Speaking after the 2023-24 season came to an end and Arsenal missed out on the Premier League title, Zinchenko reflected on his dip in form.
“Proud of the team and happy to be one of you Gunners,” he wrote on his personal social media accounts. “The club’s season is over now and unfortunately we didn’t get what we wanted but I am sure this club is on the right way to achieve everything.
“Personally I completely understand that it wasn’t my best season so far and I promise first of all to all fans and doubters that I’ll be back much stronger. Thank you so much for your massive support and see you very soon.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ZINCHENKO
For now, Zinchenko will concentrate on the upcoming Euro 2024 adventure with Ukraine. After the tournament comes to a close on July 14, or whenever his country are knocked out, attention can then shift to potential interest from other clubs – if he does want to leave Arsenal.
