Fulham’s transfer window began quietly, but activity is starting to accelerate as the club looks to strengthen the squad in pursuit of European qualification next season.
With Benjamin Lecomte the only arrival at Craven Cottage so far, Fulham are now looking to increase their activity in the transfer market, especially after Marco Silva’s decision to snub interest from Saudi Arabia and commit his future to the club.
The Cottagers are already in advanced negotiations with Arsenal to bring Reiss Nelson back to the club following his successful loan spell last season.
Nelson made a solid impact during his loan at Craven Cottage last season, scoring twice and providing an assist in 13 appearances, but now Fulham have turned their attention to securing a deal for one of his Arsenal teammates.
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Fulham make transfer approach for Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko has lost his starting place under Mikel Arteta following the signing of Riccardo Calafiori and the rise of academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The Ukraine international is open to leaving the north London club and is available for around £15 million.
As reported by journalist Ben Jacobs for GiveMeSport, Fulham have approached the Gunners over a deal for Zinchenko, as Silva eyes proven Premier League quality to bolster his squad.
The defender’s £200,000-a-week wages could be an obstacle in negotiations, but this could change if Antonee Robinson departs and frees up a significant portion of Fulham’s wage bill.
Zinchenko would certainly add something different to the Cottagers, not least a winning mentality that he has cultivated in his professional career so far.
Speaking in 2022 upon his arrival from Man City, Arteta said of the defender: “He’s a perfectionist and a really demanding boy, I know him so well, and after that, he brings qualities that we didn’t have in the squad.
“He gives us a different option to play within the role in different spaces, and I’m really happy to have him.”
While he is no longer in favour at the Emirates Stadium, it’s no surprise that Arsenal’s rise back to the top coincided with his arrival.
Now, Fulham could look to benefit from his quality.
What Oleksandr Zinchenko could bring to Fulham
Zinchenko stands out from traditional full-backs thanks to his modern playing style, offering the ability to invert into midfield, create overloads and contribute creatively both in possession and defensively.
The 28-year-old would bring extensive experience to the Fulham backline, having competed at the highest level for several years.
| Appearances | 15 |
| Balls recovered per game | 1.3 |
| Tackles per game | 0.4 |
| Assists | 1 |
While he offers a different style to traditional full-back Robinson, Zinchenko is equally effective in the final third, and his qualities would greatly benefit attackers such as Raul Jimenez.
Reuniting Nelson and Zinchenko would be shrewd business for Fulham, with these potential signings able to elevate the team’s Premier League standing and fuel their push for European qualification.