Mikel Arteta reportedly wants to bring Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal, as the Spaniard views him as a versatile option for left-back and midfield.
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are interested in a deal for Oleksandr Zinchenko, with Mikel Arteta keen on a reunion with the Ukrainian utility man. For the Manchester City man’s progressive style of play, the Arsenal boss is considering bringing him to the Emirates as a left-sided midfielder who could also play as a left-back when required.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has been one of the top utility players for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, as he has always proved a great asset whenever needed. Despite some impressive performances for the club over the years, the Ukrainian international has never cemented his place in the team and is questioning his long-term future at the Etihad.
Zinchenko has never played more than 20 Premier League games in a season since arriving at Manchester City and may look for opportunities that allow him more game time. In this dramatic title-winning campaign, he only managed about 15 outings, with only ten coming from the kick-off in the league.
Zinchenko has a contract until 2024, which could let the club consider a reasonable offer for him. Manchester City are already looking at Brighton & Hove Albion defender Marc Cucurella to shore up the left-back slot, which could further put the Ukrainian international’s future in doubt.
Arsenal are considering a move for Oleksandr Zinchenko. Interesting to see if a bid is forthcoming and then whether Zinchenko wants a move away from Man City. Sounds like Arteta may view him as a midfielder.
— Jack Gaughan (@Jack_Gaughan) May 26, 2022
Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing the versatile star to cover multiple positions next season. Mikel Arteta is eyeing Zinchenko to primarily play in a left-sided central midfield position, and at left-back whenever required.
The Gunners are already in talks to sign Aaron Hickey from Bologna as their backup left-back. Hence a move for Zinchenko to cover a midfield position makes sense, and the Manchester City man’s progressive style of play will be useful for Arteta next season.
Arsenal are also keen on signing Youri Tielemans and are preparing an opening bid for the Belgian international. Zinchenko might be considered a versatile option for multiple positions, which may not affect a move for Tielemans.
Arsenal are already getting closer to signing Zinchenko’s teammate Gabriel Jesus. There is some work to be done before closing the deal for the Brazilian international, while the Gunners also face competition for the striker. In Jesus’s case, he wants to prove himself as a central striker, as opportunities in the position are not consistent at Manchester City.
Zinchenko may want a new challenge, as the 25-year-old lacks regular game time at Manchester City. Arsenal might look to explore the costs of signing the versatile star, and with two years left on his contract, Manchester City could ask for a reasonable sum to part ways with the Ukrainian.
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Zinchenko could be a brilliant signing for Arsenal and could solve multiple problems with one signing. While he may yet not be considered the first choice in defence or midfield, he could certainly push the starters and bring the best out of them. The Manchester City utility man would certainly be playing more games with the Gunners compared to his current surroundings.
