Arsenal set their sights on another Manchester City star

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By Martin Graham | 15th Jul 2022

Since missing out on Lisandro Martinez, Arsenal have turned their attention to Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Gunners are in discussions with the reigning Premier League champions, with no figures mentioned.

Arsenal were close to qualifying for the Champions League last term via a top-four finish, but Tottenham beat them to the final spot. With Spurs fortifying their squad with quality signings, it looks like a tough season is on the cards for the Gunners.

Arsenal are not sleeping at the wheel either, as they are pulling out all the stops to land quality players that would give them an edge this season. The Gunners have already signed a few players this summer, but it seems inadequate as they continue to chase more players.

Mikel Arteta is confident of a good season but needs reinforcement and squad depth. The arrival of Gabriel Jesus has given the attack a heavy boost, but other departments in the team could do with some shoring up. Arteta has returned to Manchester City to convince Zinchenko to join Jesus at the Emirates.

Arsenal target Zinchenko

Arsenal were the first to target Lisandro Martinez. Their interest in the Argentine defender alerted Manchester United to the player and may have beaten Arsenal to the punch. With Martinez set to join Manchester United, Arsenal have turned their gaze elsewhere. The north London club is now on the heels of Oleksandr Zinchenko.

David Ornstein revealed Arsenal’s change of plans to supporters on Twitter. The Athletic reporter posted on Twitter that the Gunners were working on a deal to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City.

Ornstein claims that the two clubs are in discussion with Manchester City, open to selling the player if Arsenal meets their valuation of the player. Beyond that, Arsenal would also have to agree on personal terms with the Ukrainian defender. Arteta sees Zinchenko as a priority since missing out on Lisandro Martinez.

The figures concerning the deal are unknown, but CIES Football Observatory currently values Zinchenko at around £26 million. As negotiations progress, the cost from the Etihad would be made public.

Zinchenko: Good or bad choice?

Zinchenko ticks several boxes, and Arteta would find him a vital addition to his squad. The Ukrainian is an ideal alternative to Martinez. He is also a versatile player that can play in several positions.

Under Pep Guardiola, Zinchenko played left-back despite a career that started in central midfield. According to Transfermarkt, Zinchenko has also played attacking midfield and on the right flank.

Zinchenko is no stranger to Arteta as he has worked with the Ukraine international while he assisted Guardiola at Manchester City. With Premier League experience, Zinchenko would need little time settling into a new life at the Emirates.

One thing lacking at the Emirates is trophy-winning experience, and Zinchenko has loads of it. He will arrive at the Emirates with four Premier League and League Cup titles in his bag. Zinchenko also has Champions League experience and has played one final in 2021.

Zinchenko is an attack-minded left-back often compared to Barcelona star Jordi Alba. He does not have the profile of Andy Robertson or Joao Cancelo but will come as an excellent addition to Arsenal.