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Arsenal are in talks with Manchester City over a move for Aleksandr Zinchenko, with Mikel Arteta looking to raid the Premier League champions for yet another player this summer.
THE LOWDOWN: ARSENAL MOVE TO ALTERNATIVE TARGET
After completing a couple of signings this summer, headlined by Gabriel Jesus’ arrival from Manchester City, a certain area in the squad is of importance for Mikel Arteta.
A new left-sided defender ranks high on the priority list for the Gunners and the club’s recent activity highlights that need. In search of backup options for the injury prone Kieran Tierney, Arsenal had initially set their sights on Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine defender is predominantly a centre-back but can fill in effectively at left-back as well. After seeing two of their bids rejected, Arsenal slowly backed out of the move, leaving room for Manchester United to become favourites for his signature. As it stands, Martinez could yet enjoy a reunion with Erik Ten Hag, with the Daily Mirror now claiming that the Red Devils are on the verge of securing his signature.
On the path of Arsenal, it is back to the drawing board and a new target has emerged in the wake of the latest developments. Manchester City’s Aleksandr Zinchenko is the man in question and the Gunners are now in advanced talks over his signature.
The Ukrainian is in search of regular gametime, something he has been unable to secure at Manchester City and is seemingly open to an exit.
THE LATEST: ARSENAL’S INTEREST IS GENUINE
As per reliable journalist, David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal are in advanced talks with Manchester City over a possible deal for Zinchenko. The report details that City would not stand in the way of the player, provided their valuation of the 25-year-old is met.
Though no price was mentioned in the report, previous sources have claimed that City value Zinchenko somewhere in the range of 30m – £35m bracket – a price which should come as no problem for Arsenal.
THE VERDICT: BARGAIN DEAL FOR ARSENAL
From a tactical point and a financial perspective, a deal makes sense for Arsenal and literally ticks all boxes Tactically, Zinchenko can come in as a cover for Kieran Tierney and can also comfortably play in midfield as well.
For his national side Ukraine, he features on the left side of attack, meaning he can play in a couple of positions and can fit in several formations as well. His versatility will come in handy and it is a smart move, given that he boasts ample Premier League experience to his name.
Asides Arsenal, such a move makes sense for City as well, as the funds recouped from such a sale could be used to ignite their pursuit of Marc Cucurella from Brighton. That would mean City have more or less balanced their books this summer if it all goes according to plan.
With Zinchenko, Arsenal will be spending way less than what they would have on Martinez and the player should have no problem fitting into the Gunners’ style of play. To cap it all, Arteta already has a relationship with the player from his time at City and it is a move that would suit all parties involved.
