John Cross reports for the Mirror that Bayern Munich are monitoring Oleksandr Zinchenko’s situation this summer, and the former Manchester City defender could become Vincent Kompany’s first signing as their new manager.
Bayern’s Alphonso Davies has been heavily linked with Real Madrid, potentially leaving the Bundesliga club in need of a left-back signing, and they’re keeping an eye on Zinchenko.
In addition to Bayern’s need for a left-back signing, there’s also the Kompany connection to Zinchenko, with the pair having played together at Manchester City.
Zinchenko wasn’t exactly unused by Arsenal in 2023/24, playing 35 times in all competitions and making 24 starts.
But only six of the 27-year-old’s 20 Premier League starts came in 2024, as he was relegated to more of a backup role towards the end of the season.
That’s not even accounting for the fact that Jurrien Timber was out for most of the campaign.
Timber started the season at left-back and made a couple of u21 appearances in the position on his return from injury, so it’s very possible that’s where Mikel Arteta sees him next season.
If you add the Dutchman into the mix, Zinchenko could be competing against Timber, Jakub Kiwior, and Takehiro Tomiyasu for starts, with rumours that Arsenal are still interested in signing another left-back.
A move to Bayern would seemingly offer a much surer route to starts next season, if they firm up their interest.
