West Ham United are eyeing a move for Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, as the club looks to bolster its squad ahead of the upcoming season. The Ukrainian international, known for his adaptability and tactical intelligence, could be on the move this summer with the Hammers seriously considering a bid. At 28 years old, Zinchenko is seen as an ideal fit for new manager Graham Potter’s playing philosophy, and a reported asking price of €15 million could make him an attainable target.

Standing at 175 cm, Zinchenko transferred to Arsenal from Manchester City and has since made 91 appearances for the Gunners, contributing three goals and five assists. While he initially played a significant role in Mikel Arteta’s side — particularly during their 2022–23 title challenge — his influence has waned recently due to injuries and increased competition in the squad. Despite this, he remains a skillful and intelligent player, capable of operating both as a left-back and as a central midfielder.

This positional flexibility is likely to appeal to Potter, who has built a reputation for deploying players in multiple roles. At both Brighton and Chelsea, Potter frequently used full-backs in hybrid positions, either pushing high into midfield or tucking inside to support possession play. Zinchenko’s experience and tactical awareness make him an excellent candidate for such a system. His ability to read the game, retain the ball under pressure, and switch play quickly are all attributes that would complement Potter’s setup at West Ham.

Financially, the transfer appears feasible for the East London club. Zinchenko’s current salary at Arsenal is estimated at €5 million per year, but reports indicate he is willing to accept a lower wage to facilitate a move away from the Emirates. This openness to a pay cut could play a crucial role in getting the deal over the line, particularly if Arsenal are looking to make adjustments to their squad before the 2025–26 campaign.

Interestingly, the player’s current market value is listed at €20 million by Transfermarkt, although it peaked at €42 million in December 2023. Arsenal’s willingness to sell for €15 million may reflect a desire to offload his wages and make space for incoming players, offering West Ham a potential bargain.

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That said, the Hammers are not the only club monitoring Zinchenko’s situation. AC Milan are also believed to be interested in acquiring the experienced defender. However, the Serie A side is reportedly hesitant to meet Arsenal’s valuation, especially given that Zinchenko is under contract until the summer of 2026. Unless the Gunners are willing to negotiate a lower fee, Milan may decide to look elsewhere.

Internationally, Zinchenko has been a consistent performer for Ukraine, earning 74 caps and scoring 12 goals. His leadership qualities and top-flight experience across both domestic and European competitions make him one of the most seasoned options available at this price range.

As the transfer window unfolds, Zinchenko’s future will likely depend on which club can offer the most appealing combination of game time, tactical suitability, and financial security. For West Ham, this could be a smart and cost-effective acquisition that adds depth and intelligence to their squad — a move that reflects the club’s ambition to challenge further up the Premier League table in the coming season.

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Should West Ham sign Oleksandr Zinchenko?