Jose Mourinho wants to sign Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko for number six role

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho is pushing to sign Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, specifically to deploy him in the number six midfield position, according to reports emerging from Turkey. The Istanbul giants have now formalized their interest with an official bid.

Arsenal consider £13m Zinchenko exit as Mourinho plots midfield move

Turkish journalist Elis Buse Arac states Fenerbahce have submitted a formal offer for the 28-year-old Ukrainian international.

This follows earlier reports from colleague Sercan Hamzaoglu that negotiations were underway, with Arsenal setting an asking price of £13 million.

Zinchenko, a key starter at left-back during his first two seasons at the Emirates, has seen his role diminish significantly over the past year.

The emergence of academy talent Myles Lewis-Skelly, the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber’s versatility have pushed him down the pecking order for the full-back spot. He made only 10 Premier League starts last season.

With Zinchenko entering the final year of his contract and deemed surplus to requirements, Arsenal appear willing to sell.

While they paid Manchester City an initial £28 million for him in 2022, the £13 million fee represents reasonable value given his contract situation and recent status as a fringe player.

Mourinho, however, sees Zinchenko’s future in central midfield. The Portuguese boss reportedly believes the Ukrainian’s technical skills and passing range make him ideal for the deep-lying ‘number six’ role in his Fenerbahce system.

The player’s substantial £150,000-a-week wages are not seen as a major obstacle. Turkey’s favourable tax regulations mean Fenerbahce can comfortably meet his salary demands.

Fenerbahce sporting director Devin Ozek reportedly held direct talks with Arsenal officials in London yesterday, accelerating the process.

The transfer now hinges on Zinchenko accepting the move to Turkey. His decision is the final key step needed for the deal to proceed.

Arsenal are preparing for significant squad turnover this week, with Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Karl Hein also potentially departing, while Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard are available for the right offers.