Fenerbahce have offered to loan Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko for €3m with a €10m option to buy, following talks with Jose Mourinho.
Fenerbahce are pushing to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal, with Turkish media reporting that Jose Mourinho has already held face-to-face talks with the Ukraine international.
Zinchenko, 28, is considered surplus to requirements at the Emirates after a season in which he made just 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring once. His current Arsenal deal runs until 2026, but the Gunners are reportedly open to offers for the former Manchester City man.
According to Sabah, Mourinho has convinced Zinchenko he would be deployed in midfield — his preferred role — rather than at left-back. This pitch has reportedly piqued Zinchenko’s interest, although financial obstacles remain.
Fenerbahce’s Proposal
Fenerbahce’s sporting director Devin Özek has been in negotiations with Arsenal and is understood to have tabled a €3m loan fee with an option to buy set at €10m.
Arsenal, however, are said to value Zinchenko at €20m and may be reluctant to sanction a deal at those numbers, especially given the Turkish club cannot match his current Premier League wages.
Sources close to the player claim Zinchenko would be willing to see out his contract at Arsenal unless a move matches his salary — something Fenerbahce cannot currently commit to without financial support from the Gunners.
Mourinho’s Pitch to Zinchenko
Mourinho is believed to see Zinchenko as a tempo-setting midfielder in his Fenerbahce side, capable of dictating possession and breaking lines with forward passes.
“I can use you where you’re most effective — in midfield, where your passing range and vision will shine.” — Jose Mourinho (as reported by Sabah)
Such a role could revive the form Zinchenko showed at Manchester City, where he occasionally operated in advanced positions for Ukraine.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 2024/25 Stats
| Stat (2024/25) | Oleksandr Zinchenko |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 23 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 87% |
Summary: Zinchenko featured in 23 matches for Arsenal last season, scoring once and providing two assists. Despite his reduced minutes, he maintained an 87% pass completion rate, underlining his technical reliability.
Analyst Verdict
From reviewing Zinchenko’s 2024/25 performances, it’s clear his best work still comes when he can drift inside and operate as a central playmaker. A move to Fenerbahce under Mourinho could provide him with the freedom he craves — but only if the financial and contractual hurdles are cleared.
Arsenal may see a loan with a low purchase option as poor value, especially if they believe a Premier League or Serie A suitor could meet their €20m valuation later in the window.
Key Insights
- Fenerbahce offer €3m loan fee + €10m option to buy.
- Arsenal value Zinchenko at €20m and may resist current proposal.
- Mourinho promises him a midfield role in Turkey.
- Wages remain the biggest obstacle to the deal.
What’s Next
Negotiations are expected to continue this week, with Fenerbahce hoping Arsenal soften their stance on both the loan terms and wage contribution. If no agreement is reached soon, Zinchenko could remain in North London until January, when interest from other leagues might materialise.
For Arsenal, offloading the Ukrainian would free up wages and squad space ahead of their own final recruitment push.
Should Arsenal subsidise Zinchenko’s wages to get the deal done — or hold out for a permanent sale?
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