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Arsenal Eye Vanderson as Zinchenko Nears Galatasaray Move

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. nderson-as-zinchenko-nears-galatasaray-move.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 3:51 GMT by Daily Express
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, UKRAINE, FRANCE

London, UK - February 6th, 2026 - Arsenal are actively reshaping their squad, with moves seemingly afoot to address both full-back positions. Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko is reportedly nearing a transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray, opening the door for the Gunners to pursue Nice's dynamic full-back, Vanderson. Simultaneously, Arsenal are monitoring several players at rivals Chelsea, including Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer, though Champions League qualification remains a key factor in attracting top talent.

Reports emerging from Italy indicate Arsenal's strong interest in 22-year-old Vanderson, who has consistently impressed in Ligue 1 with Nice. The Brazilian offers versatility, being adept at playing both as a right-back and a winger - a characteristic highly valued by manager Mikel Arteta, known for his tactical flexibility. With Cedric Soares's future uncertain, and at 33 entering the twilight of his career, Vanderson presents a long-term solution and a potential upgrade in the right-back position. His ability to push forward and contribute to the attack aligns perfectly with Arteta's system, which demands full-backs to be integral parts of the offensive build-up. Scouts have been particularly impressed by Vanderson's pace, dribbling ability, and crossing accuracy, qualities that would undoubtedly add another dimension to Arsenal's attacking prowess.

In contrast, Zinchenko's departure appears increasingly likely. The Ukrainian, a key part of Arsenal's 2023/24 title challenge, has found his game time limited this season. Competition from Jakub Kiwior and even Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back has restricted his opportunities, leading him to seek a more prominent role elsewhere. Galatasaray, eager to bolster their squad for a sustained Champions League push, are offering Zinchenko precisely that. The deal, expected to be finalized within days, would see Zinchenko become a focal point in the Turkish side, providing both defensive solidity and creative impetus from the left flank. While Zinchenko's technical ability and experience will be missed, Arsenal clearly believe that Vanderson, or another potential signing, can adequately fill the void.

Beyond the full-back situation, Arsenal are casting their net towards Stamford Bridge, with Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer emerging as potential targets. Gallagher, a tenacious midfielder, has been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing season for Chelsea. His work rate, tackling ability, and box-to-box energy would add much-needed steel to Arsenal's midfield. Palmer, a creative winger, has quickly established himself as a key player for Chelsea, demonstrating impressive dribbling skills and an eye for goal. Adding either player would significantly enhance Arsenal's attacking options.

However, Arsenal's pursuit of both Gallagher and Palmer is contingent upon securing Champions League football for next season. The financial benefits of competing in Europe's premier competition are substantial, enabling Arsenal to offer more competitive wages and attract higher-caliber players. Currently, the Gunners find themselves in a tight battle for a top-four spot, holding a slender one-point lead over Tottenham Hotspur. A failure to qualify for the Champions League could severely hamper Arsenal's transfer ambitions, potentially forcing them to recalibrate their targets and focus on more affordable options.

The upcoming weeks promise to be crucial for Arsenal, both on the pitch and in the transfer market. The Zinchenko deal appears all but done, and the pursuit of Vanderson is gathering momentum. The success of their bids for Gallagher and Palmer, however, will likely hinge on their ability to maintain their position in the Premier League's top four - a testament to the intertwined relationship between on-field performance and off-field recruitment.