Ligue 1 giants Marseille are reportedly keen on signing 28-year-old Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal in the final days of the summer transfer window.

According to a report by David Ornstein on The Athletic, Oleksandr Zinchenko is the subject of interest from Marseille. The Ligue 1 giants are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile footballer in the summer transfer window. So, the 28-year-old Arsenal utility man has emerged as a target for Les Phoceens.

While recent reports suggested that Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce were closing in on signing Zinchenko, Marseille may be his next destination. The Ligue 1 heavyweights are working on a deal to sign the former Manchester City utility man, with the player’s salary the only issue holding back an agreement for a permanent move.

Oleksandr Zinchenko and his Arsenal spell so far

Oleksandr Zinchenko has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Arsenal from Manchester City in a deal worth £30 million in July 2022. While the 28-year-old has been a utility man for the North London outfit due to his versatility, he has fallen in the pecking order in the last two seasons.

The Ukrainian international managed only 789 minutes of game time across 23 appearances in all competitions while chipping in with one goal and one assist, and he has yet to secure any game time this term. However, Zinchenko’s stock in the market remains high, with several well-known clubs setting their sights on him. Marseille will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.

Ligue 1 move on the horizon?

Marseille’s interest in Oleksandr Zinchenko is understandable. The Ligue 1 giants are scouring the market for a versatile footballer, as they need reinforcement in midfield and defence. With Roberto De Zerbi having only one recognised left-back in his squad, Zinchenko can be an option for the left flank.

Additionally, Zinchenko’s versatility means he can be an option for the midfield unit amid uncertainties surrounding Adrien Rabiot’s long-term future. So, the former Manchester City utility man has emerged as a viable target for Marseille, with Les Phoceens working on a permanent deal to secure his services.

However, Zinchenko’s salary is a significant hurdle in front of Marseille, and they must overcome that to advance talks over a late move. With the summer transfer window closing on Monday, time is running out for Arsenal and Marseille to strike an agreement over a deal for the 28-year-old Ukrainian international.