Arsenal

Arsenal have reportedly agreed a deal for Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, reports Fabrizio Romano.

This will be the Gunners’ second negotiation with Manchester City this summer. Arsenal have already signed Gabriel Jesus from City earlier this month for a fee of around £50 million.

Mikel Arteta now wants to focus on defensive reinforcements after adding attackers in Jesus, Fabio Vieira and Brazilian teenager Marquinhos.

However, Zinchenko who plays at left-back for City can also ply his trade as an attacking midfielder. Arteta has already coached Zinchenko at City, and believes the Ukrainian could bring a lot to the table at Arsenal.

Arsenal
Arsenal could benefit from another player in their team who has lifted the Premier League title 4 times. Image Credits: Twitter

Romano reports that Arsenal have reached a ‘verbal agreement’ with City for a £30 million deal for Zinchenko, and are now sorting out the personal terms with the player.

Oleksandr Zinchenko to solve Arsenal’s left-back woes

Arsenal have had a number of problems in their left-back positions over the last two seasons. Kieran Tierney, their first-choice at left-back has so far experienced an injury-plagued stint at the Emirates.

The Gunners brought in Nuno Tavares from Benfica to cover for Tierney. But the Portuguese failed miserably to adapt to the Premier League costing the club crucial points at times.

Arteta looks set to resolve Arsenal’s left-back woes once and for all by Zinchenko’s signing. The 25-year-old is proven asset of the Premier League, winning 4 titles with City.

Arsenal
Zinchenko wants regular game-time and has hence chosen Arsenal. Image Credits: Twitter

The versatile player has made 125 appearances for City in all competitions since joining them in 2016. However, limited game-time at City has forced Zinchenko to leave in search of regular minutes.

Nonetheless, despite making only 10 league 10 starts last season Zinchenko managed a whopping 9.6 progressive carries, 8.4 progressive passes and 3.6 shot-creating actions per 90.

While that is enough to justify his attacking talent, defensively as well the 25-year-old posted 1.7 tackles, 1.5 blocks, 1.3 aerial duels won and 8.1 presses.

Furthermore, Zinchenko’s aggression and experience could help Arteta with his young squad who has an average age of just 25.2, the lowest in the Premier League.

The next few days will be crucial to Zinchenko’s Arsenal move, whereas City will then push for his replacement in Brighton’s Marc Cucurella.