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Arsenal are interested in signing Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, with Mikel Arteta keen to raid his former club as he looks to strengthen his squad this summer.
THE LOWDOWN: CITY RAID
Mikel Arteta has made a top-class striker his number one priority and is looking to lure Gabriel Jesus to north London, with the champions prepared to cash in on a player who only has one year left on his contract – particularly with Erling Haaland set to join.
But there are other areas in Arsenal’s squad that also need addressing, with Arteta looking for a new central midfielder, another winger and a backup left-back.
Etihad superstar Raheem Sterling has also been rumoured to be attracting interest from the Gunners in recent weeks, however, the potential City raid doesn’t seem to end there…
THE LATEST: HOLDS AN INTEREST
According to the Daily Mail, Arteta holds an interest in the Ukrainian utility man Zinchenko.
The 25-year-old is viewed primarily as an asset to bolster Arsenal’s midfield who could be utilised at left back when required.
The report goes on to state that Pep Guardiola looking at Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella, who admitted this week that turning down a possible move to the north west would represent a struggle, which could push Zinchenko out the Etihad exit door this summer.
THE VERDICT: SUPERB OPTION…
Still young, possessing bags of experience and having played semi-regularly in a star-studded squad over the last few seasons, we believe Zinchenko stands out as a superb option for the Gunners.
The £22.5m-rated Ukraine international’s versatility could also be a great asset for Arteta, adept at full-back and almost anywhere in an advanced midfield role (WhoScored).
Called a “magnificent player” by Guardiola this season, the utility man also played an underrated role in City’s run to the 2021 Champions League final – putting on an impressive semi-final display against Paris-Saint Germain in particular.
In 15 total appearances in City’s Premier League triumph, the Shakhtar Donetsk academy graduate has contributed considerably when called into action, picking up an impressive average SofaScore rating of 7.07 providing four assists, as well as creating 3 big chances, averaging 1.1 key passes, but also averaging 1.9 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game highlighting his influence both in Guardiola’s attack and defence.
While a move may be difficult, with Zinchenko’s high valuation potentially coming as a stumbling block, there is little denying he would upgrade Arteta’s roster at the Emirates.
AND in other news, Arsenal add £15.3m-rated Haarlem-born pass-master to list of summer targets…
