Arsenal have reached a full agreement with Manchester City for Oleksandr Zinchenko, while personal terms are also agreed with the player.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal have reached full agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Gunners will pay £30 million plus add-ons for the versatile Ukrainian, who will sign a four-year deal at the Emirates.
The Ukrainian was on their radar for quite a while, and the club decided to turn their attention after losing out on Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine defender signed with Manchester United, dealing a blow to Mikel Arteta’s chances to sign a much-needed player of similar qualities. Zinchenko is the closest to that profile, and Arsenal wasted no time discussing a deal with Manchester City.
The Gunners opened talks and, without many complications, verbally agreed on a £30 million fee with Manchester City. The only hold-up was personal terms with Zinchenko, which have also been put in place.
The Ukrainian will sign a four-year deal with Arsenal, who will pay £30 million plus a further £2 million in achievable add-ons. Arteta wanted Zinchenko and made his plans clear to the player on how he intends to play him next season.
Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal, here we go! Full agreement in place since Friday with Man City for £30m guaranteed fee, personal terms also agreed. Zinchenko, always been keen on re-joining Arteta. ?⚪️? #AFC
Contract until June 2026, as per @David_Ornstein – medical this week. pic.twitter.com/sVpYpZN2iH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2022
Zinchenko primarily played as a left-back in his many years under Pep Guardiola. However, the Ukrainian plays as a left-sided midfielder for his national side and recently impressed in the role against Scotland in the World Cup play-offs.
Arsenal could offer him a midfield role but on a rotational basis. Zinchenko could also be the perfect competition for Kieran Tierney at left-back, who has suffered consistent injuries in the last three seasons. With one signing, the Gunners have seemingly solved two problems, as the Ukrainian is likely to operate in two positions next term.
Zinchenko will become Arsenal’s fifth summer signing after the arrivals of Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos, Matt Turner and former Man City star Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners could continue their recruitment drive after the Ukrainian formally signs, with a new midfielder and a wide attacker the other likely incomings.
