Zinchenko replacement: Arsenal interest in LaLiga ace confirmed

Tom Weber

• Updated: 17 Sept 2024 16:32 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal were interested in Miguel Gutierrez in the summer, according to a report.

The Gunners were in the market for a left-back and ultimately found their man in Riccardo Calafiori, who impressed Mikel Arteta so much at Euro 2024 that he demanded the Italian be signed.

Calafiori, however, has so far struggled for fitness, which has allowed Jurrien Timber to make the left-back position his own with some excellent early-season performances.

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A right-footed centre-back by trade, Timber has excelled at left-back, though it remains to be seen whether he can keep Calafiori out of the side long-term.

One player he has already displaced is Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Ukrainian has struggled for minutes and FootballTransfers revealed ahead of the summer window that Arsenal were open to selling him.

Zinchenko replacement?

No move ultimately materialised but it is difficult to see a long-term future at the Emirates for the 27-year-old. Arteta and company evidently agreed and seemingly had a traditional replacement (compared to Calafiori) lined up in the summer.

According to Matteo Moretto, Arsenal were among the clubs to register their interest in Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez in the summer. He also mentions Bundesliga sides Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen as well as Bologna as suitors.

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Despite being one of Fabrizio Romano's close confidants, the transfer insider did not mention Man Utd, whom Romano stated were keen on the former Real Madrid youngster in July. However, the Red Devils did not have the budget to bring in a left-back.

Los Blancos retain a buy-back option worth just €8 million but it looks unlikely to be triggered. As for Arsenal, they are well-stocked in the left-back department but it will be interesting to see whether they return for Gutierrez should Zinchenko depart the club.