Oleksandr Zinchenko attracts interest from Arsenal and West Ham United as a summer move looms large for the Ukrainian.
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal and West Ham United are keen on signing Oleksandr Zinchenko in the summer transfer window and are ready to step up their pursuit of the Ukrainian who could be departing Manchester City.
Manchester City are looking to revamp the left-back area on priority and have earmarked Marc Cucurella as a potential target for the position. The Brighton star is likely to move if Manchester City make a substantial offer for the Spaniard in this window.
As a result, Oleksandr Zinchenko could be on his way out, with there being no shortage of interest in the Ukrainian international heading into the transfer window. There have been advances from Arsenal and West Ham in recent weeks, as one of the London clubs could end up being the 25-year-old’s next destination.
There are many factors for Zinchenko to consider before deciding on his next club. The versatile star has been deployed primarily as a left-back by Guardiola, although he plays mainly in midfield for Ukraine. However, Zinchenko would like to assume a central role in the next phase of his career, and Arsenal are willing to offer him that.
Mikel Arteta knows the player well and is aware of where he might improve Arsenal. With the squad decently covered at left-back, the report insists that the Gunners want Zinchenko to operate in midfield. At the same time, the Ukrainian could also slot in as left-back whenever needed. Zinchenko’s arrival would solve plenty of problems for Arteta while adding quality depth in multiple areas.
Other teams interested in Zinchenko, including West Ham, primarily want to continue using him at left-back. The Hammers wish to see the 25-year-old compete with Aaron Cresswell in the full-back position, as they are ready to part ways with Arthur Masuaku this summer. However, David Moyes also sees the Ukrainian as a backup option in midfield, amid question marks over the future of Tomas Soucek.
Zinchenko will return to Manchester City in the next few weeks after the current round of international fixtures. The versatile footballer could not lead his Ukraine side to the FIFA World Cup 2022 after falling short on the final hurdle against Wales in the playoffs.
Once he returns to England, talks over a move could accelerate. Whether he moves to Arsenal or West Ham or a different club altogether remains in question, as the 25-year-old prepares to embark on a new journey away from Manchester City.
