Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly in discussions over a possible summer move for Ukrainian utility man Oleksandr Zinchenko.
According to a report by Daily Mail, Raheem Sterling and Nathan Ake are not the only Manchester City players on Chelsea’s radar over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Blues have also set their sights on Oleksandr Zinchenko, with the two clubs in talks to discuss a deal for the Ukrainian utility man.
Oleksandr Zinchenko began his professional career in Russia with FC Ufa, but he only spent one year at Estadio Neftyanik before joining Manchester City in July 2016. The 25-year-old has thus been with the Citizens since Pep Guardiola took over the helm at the Etihad half a dozen years ago.
But the Ukrainian international, who has featured over 100 times for Manchester City thus far, has largely been a rotation option for Guardiola. The Manchester City boss has utilised Zinchenko in different roles, but he has mostly played as a left-back. But the player is keen on playing regularly after years of being a backup player, with his situation capturing the attention of Chelsea.
Chelsea will need to invest in a left-back in the summer transfer window, as Marcos Alonso is keen on returning to Spain ahead of the 2022/23 season. The Spanish international has popped up on the radar of Barcelona, with the Catalan giants reportedly prioritising a summer move for him. In addition, academy graduate Ian Maatsen is closing in on joining Feyenoord this summer.
With Baba Rahman and Kenedy unlikely to feature in Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the 2022/23 season, Ben Chilwell will be the only left-back at the Chelsea manager’s disposal. The west Londoners have thus set their sights on several players to bolster the position, including Marc Cucurella, coincidentally a target for Manchester City.
Zinchenko has now emerged on Chelsea’s radar as a possible target for the left wing-back slot, with the Ukrainian utility man also a potential option for a central midfield role. And the Blues have opened talks with Manchester City over a summer move for the 25-year-old.
Zinchenko is not the only Manchester City player on Chelsea’s wishlist, with the west London club also discussing a double deal for Raheem Sterling and Nathan Ake. As for the pursuit of Zinchenko, it will be interesting to see if Chelsea can beat the competition to sign the Ukrainian international this summer.