Arsenal are all set to announce the signing of Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko as their latest summer signing. Mikel Arteta has been desperately seeking a new left-back in the transfer window due to Kieran Tierney’s injury troubles and Nuno Tavares not being good enough.
Zinchenko has tons of Premier League experience, having played in the league for the last 6 years since arriving at City in 2016. He has won 4 Premier League titles with Pep Guardiola’s side, as well as winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as well.
A major reason why the Gunners are ready to pay over £30m for Zinchenko’s signing is his versatility. Arteta loves flexible players in his squad and knows that the Ukrainian international can operate in multiple areas.
Zinchenko (right) with Arsenal technical director Edu in America before the official announcement
Indeed, the 25-year-old can play as a left-back, a left wing-back as well as a centre midfielder. He is a highly-skilled, hard-working individual that has attracted a lot of praise in the past. However, some special praise which Zinchenko received was from soon-to-be ex-City teammate Kyle Walker.
In an episode of ‘Tea with Timbsy’ with YouTuber Timbsy about a month ago, Walker was asked about which City players have the most technical ability in the squad. He went on to name Zinchenko, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva. Surprisingly, he picked the Ukrainian ahead of the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden and Joao Cancelo.
🇺🇦 Kyle Walker when asked who is the best at the training exercises at Manchester City… 👀
When asked to elaborate why the Englishman added: “He’s incredible! Incredible! Be it two touches, head tennis, he’s incredible at those exercises. You’re leaving the likes of De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Cancelo but they don’t come close to those three.”
Zinchenko has always acted as the ultimate utility player for Guardiola’s side since his arrival. He hasn’t exactly been a stalwart regular, which is why the 25-year-old pushed for a summer exit to go somewhere he’s guaranteed regular minutes.
Mikel Arteta and Zinchenko celebrate winning the Premier League title
Arteta worked with the Ukrainian during his time as Guardiola’s assistant and is well aware of his strengths and weaknesses.
Zinchenko will be a really valuable addition to his squad because of his ability to play multiple roles and fit into positions when the Gunners are struggling with injuries.
He will, of course, have to work hard to prove his worth at Arsenal. But the Gunners seem to have roped in a quality player that will help add another dimension to their squad.
