Gossip
VIN-TEREST
Vincent Kompany looking to raid Arsenal as he targets first transfer as Bayern Munich manager
Bayern are also eyeing up an AC Milan and France star
VINCENT KOMPANY is eyeing up Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko as his first signing since taking over at Bayern Munich, according to reports.
The former Burnley boss, 38, was announced as Thomas Tuchel's successor earlier this week despite suffering Premier League relegation with the Clarets this season.
3
3
3
Now he is looking to bolster his squad ahead of the 2024-25 campaign as Bayern bid to reclaim the Bundesliga title they lost to Bayer Leverkusen.
And according to , Zinchenko is on Kompany's radar as a potential acquisition.
The Ukrainian left-back, 27, was ousted from Arsenal's first-team and replaced by both Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu towards the end of the season.
He did not start any of the Gunners' last six Premier League games - all of which they won.
READ MORE ON ARSENAL
Zinchenko, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City for £35million in 2022, could yet find himself even further down the pecking order as Jurrien Timber returns from his ACL injury.
And a move to Bayern may make sense amid reports the Germans' first-choice left-back, Alphonso Davies, is set to sign for Real Madrid.
Zinchenko spent three years playing alongside Kompany at Man City.
However, he is not the only left-back Bayern are being linked with as AC Milan and France full-back Theo Hernandez is also in the frame.
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Vincent Kompany's career record
Those numbers in full:
- Anderlecht, 2003-2006: 103 games, 6 goals
- Hamburg, 2006-2008: 51 games, 4 goals
- Man City, 2008-2019: 360 games, 20 goals
- Anderlecht, 2019-2020: 18 games, 1 goal
- Belgium, 2004-2019: 89 games, 4 goals
- Trophies: Belgian First Division x2 (Anderlect); Intertoto Cup (Hamburg); Premier League x2, FA Cup x2, Carabao Cup x4, Community Shield x2 (Man City)
Managerial career
- Anderlecht, 2019-2022: P96 W42 D34 L20
- Burnley, 2022-2024: P96 W41 D24 L31
- Trophies: Championship (Burnley)
Ukraine captain Zinchenko, who is now preparing for the Euros, acknowledged his drop-off in form with a social media post after the conclusion of Arsenal's season.
He said: "Proud of the team and happy to be one of you Gunners.
Man Utd & Man City Premier League combined XI
"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."
Zinchenko has scored two goals and contributed four assists in 68 appearances for Arsenal.
The Gunners have finished second behind Man City in consecutive Premier League seasons.
He previously won four league titles, one FA Cup and four League Cups at the Etihad.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from the Emirates
SunSport's verdict on Arsenal stars
Mikel Arteta is looking to get Arsenal ready to beat Man City to the title after another near miss, but he may need to be brutal with his squad in order to do so. Here's SunSport's verdict on who should stay and who should go.
David Raya – STAY: Initial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class keeper with all the attributes needed for Arteta’s way of playing.
Aaron Ramsdale – GO: Unfortunate to be cast aside for Raya, but is now looking for a move to become a regular No.1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting in goal for England.
Karl Hein - STAY: Unlikely to take Ramsdale’s spot as No.2 should the Englishman depart - but the club cannot afford to lose two keepers in one window.
William Saliba - STAY: Saliba is of the best young defenders in the world right now, Arteta should be building his team around him. A vital part of the side’s spine that conceded just 29 Prem goals this term.
Ben White - STAY: Another solid member of Arteta’s impressive back four. Has the flexibility to play on the right or as a central defender, but has made right-back his own this term.
Gabriel - STAY: Was on the outskirts at the start of the campaign but forced his way back in and has forged an almighty partnership with Saliba in the middle of the defence. One of Arteta's most important signings.
Jurrien Timber - STAY: Yet to see the best of the Dutchman after an injury-hit season, but Arteta views him as a game-changing full-back.
Jakub Kiwior - STAY: The Polish international has struggled to break up the duo of Saliba and Gabriel but has impressed when called upon, especially in a stint at left-back.
Cedric - GO: Leaving the club with his contract expiring. Never really convinced Arteta he could be relied upon and spent most of the season warming the bench.
Takehiro Tomiyasu - STAY: Another flexible and reliable figure that Arteta adores. Can play centre-back or right-back and is a real presence at set-pieces.
Oleksandr Zinchenko - GO: With Timber in line to be Arteta’s first choice at left-back, it is hard to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season. A good signing at £35m but has shown himself to be limited defensively.
Thomas Partey - GO: Injury prone and has looked leggy when finally back from his thigh issues that kept him out from October until March. Contract is up next summer.
Martin Odegaard - STAY: Captain fantastic. A real leader amongst men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to lift the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.
Emile Smith Rowe - STAY: Sidelined for most of the term and struggled to make an impact when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him. A decent squad option but you get the feeling he is running out of time to prove to the club he is a player worth sticking with.
Jorginho - STAY: Arteta’s experienced general who, more often than not, has Arsenal playing better with him in the team.
Fabio Vieira - GO: Perhaps harsh to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season but still looks out of place in English football. A loan move could help.
Mohamed Elneny - GO: Another player departing with his contract expiring. The right call by both parties. A good servant from the Arsene Wenger days.
Kai Havertz - STAY: Seems a bargain now at £65m from Chelsea following his barnstorming end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder, yet now leads the line as a first-choice No.9.
Declan Rice - STAY: Arsenal’s most important and influential signing in years. Enough said.
Bukayo Saka - STAY: An undroppable superstar for club and country right now. Will undoubtedly get even better in seasons to come.
Gabriel Jesus - STAY: Fighting for a starting spot but right now but would be foolish to let him go given how much he can impact games and his winning mentality inside the group.
Gabriel Martinelli - STAY: A dip in form this term but Arteta has huge faith in him. The added competition with Leandro Trossard will only make him better.
Eddie Nketiah - GO: Career is at a crossroads right now and he needs to leave to turn that around. His six-figure wages could put Premier League suitors off.
Leandro Trossard - STAY: Can bring his qualities as a starter or from the bench – a brilliant option to have when you are going for a title.
Reiss Nelson - GO: Arteta has often spoken of Nelson’s potential and likes having him around the squad, but his impact has withered over the past 12 months.
Topics