Oleksandr Zinchenko has admitted he is unsure about his Arsenal future as he enters the final year of his contract.
With no talks held yet, he remains committed to playing wherever Mikel Arteta needs him, but discussions over his role and future will take place in the summer.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has admitted uncertainty over his Arsenal future, with discussions on a possible contract extension yet to take place as he enters the final year of his deal this summer.
Mikel Arteta confirmed that talks with the left-back will be held at the end of the season.
“I do that with every player before we finalise the season, if possible, if we have time to do so, so everybody’s clear on expectations from each other, clarity about how we’re feeling about each other and how that relationship can continue is the best thing, and other things to do and discuss. I’m certainly going to have that discussion with all of them,” Arteta said.
For now, Zinchenko remains focused on the closing stages of the season. His start against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League was only his fifth in all competitions this term, but he marked the occasion with his first goal in the tournament in his 40th appearance.
Asked about his future, Zinchenko admitted he had no clear answer.
“I don’t know yet to be honest,” he said. “If I would know, I could tell [you]. It’s still a long way to go until the end of the season. I think we are at the stage and the most interesting period of the season, where every single game is a final and you never know what is going to happen in football.”
While he has predominantly played at left-back since joining Arsenal, Zinchenko was deployed in midfield against PSV, a position he regularly occupies for Ukraine.
His goal helped secure a 2-2 draw in a tie that was over in the first leg with Arsenal’s 7-1 win, but he remained composed in his response to the performance.
“Honestly, I am so happy to be part of this amazing club and team,” he said. “It is really a joy to be close to these guys. Whenever the team and head coach needs me, I am there. In any position they need me, I am there to help. Even if I will be in the stands, I will try to make an impact as much as I can, to push the others, just to hug someone, whatever! It is really a joy to be here.”
His adaptation to midfield was something Arteta had already considered. “He’s very good, and with the options that we have, we believe that it’s a position that he can help in and that suits him,” Arteta said before the match.
“He’s played there before, I’ve known him for many years and he can really fit in that position, and he’s adapted really well in training. He had a few opportunities in the last few games as well to show that. So, I’m happy that he’s doing well there.”
Zinchenko was the subject of interest from Borussia Dortmund in January.
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