Vincent Kompany is eyeing a move for Arsenal misfit Oleksandr Zinchenko as his first Bayern Munich signing.
The recently deposed German champions will set about rejuvenating their squad this summer having finally resolved their managerial situation.
After a failed attempt to persuade Thomas Tuchel to remain, Bayern eventually settled on Kompany as their surprise candidate to fill the void left by the former Chelsea manager.
The decision to appoint the 38-year-old has been a divisive one given his lack of experience with his only season as a Premier League boss ending in relegation with Burnley.
Kompany’s responsibilities will largely focus on matters on the pitch. Still, he will have input into the club’s transfer business this summer and, according to the Mirror, will be keeping tabs on one of his former teammates.
Zinchenko joined Arsenal nearly two years ago and became an instant favorite, starring in an inverted left-back role that helped transform the Gunners into title contenders.
However, opponents quickly grew wise to Mikel Arteta’s tactics, and Zinchenko’s form dipped markedly last season as teams began to expose his defensive deficiencies.
Indeed, the former City star ended last term as, arguably, Arsenal’s third-choice left-back behind Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior.
‘Proud of the team and happy to be one of you Gunners,’ the Ukrainian wrote in a message to Arsenal fans on Instagram earlier this month, acknowledging his dip.
‘The club’s season is over now and unfortunately, we didn’t get what we wanted but I am sure this club is on the right way to achieve everything.
‘I completely understand that it wasn’t my best season so far and I promise first of all to all fans and doubters that I’ll be back much stronger.
‘Thank you so much for your massive support and see you very soon. #COYG.’
Arsenal have already been linked with numerous left-backs this summer, with Feyernoord’s Quilindschy Hartman said to be a key target during the transfer window.
Bayern, meanwhile, is also likely to be in the market for a new left-back given the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of Alphonso Davies.
The Canada international has refused to sign a new contract and, with negotiations having stalled, Real Madrid has registered a strong interest in the player.
