Arsenal have opened discussions with Manchester City over the potential transfer of Oleksandr Zinchenko, with the player reportedly available for sale.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal are working on a deal to bring Oleksandr Zinchenko, with Manchester City open to a sale. The two clubs are in discussions for the Ukrainian, although the Gunners are yet to agree on a fee and personal terms.
Arsenal have been quiet since the arrival of Gabriel Jesus and could get active once again as they seek another player from Manchester City. Oleksandr Zinchenko is the subject of discussion between the two clubs, with the Gunners keen to recruit the Ukrainian.
Mikel Arteta knows the player well from their time together at Manchester City. And the Arsenal boss has a plan in place for the Ukrainian, with the club needing a player capable of playing in midfield and left-back.
After missing out on primary defensive target Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United, Zinchenko is the closest player to the required profile. Arteta’s need for a versatile defender is clear, as he looks for an operator to provide cover and competition for Kieran Tierney, who has had a terrible injury record in his three seasons at the club.
? EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal working on deal to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Man City. Clubs in talks, #MCFC open to sale if valuation met. #AFC would also need to agree personal terms. Versatile 25yo now priority for Arteta after missing Martinez @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/e3r0Xmyh67
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 14, 2022
Manchester City are open to selling Zinchenko for the right price. The Premier League champions have been offloading players, with Jesus and Raheem Sterling already departing the Etihad. Nathan Ake could be next in line through the exit door and possibly be followed by the Ukrainian.
Manchester City will then have their path clear to pursue top target Marc Cucurella, although they remain wary of paying over the odds for the Brighton star. Meanwhile, Zinchenko has been solid under Pep Guardiola over the years and can prove to be an astute signing for Arsenal if they find a breakthrough.
Both clubs have begun discussions over a possible move, although Arsenal are yet to make an offer to Manchester City. Moreover, they have not discussed personal terms with Zinchenko, which could be the next step, considering the player is available in the window. It remains to be seen how much Manchester City demand for the Ukrainian. Zinchenko has two years left on his deal, and City could ask for a significant sum for the 25-year-old star.
Zinchenko would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal and a solid alternative to Martinez. After that, Arsenal could focus their attention on other areas of their team, with a midfielder and a winger pencilled in to join the team before the transfer window closes.
