Arsenal added another Manchester City player, Oleksandr Zinchenko, to their ranks last week as Mikel Arteta let the world know of his fondness for the troops he had coached alongside Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, 24, had arrived at Man City from Russian side Ufa way back in the summer of 2016 and was a hugely popular member of the squad in his time there. The Ukraine international may have never cemented his place in the Sky Blues’ starting XI but has more often than not delivered the goods when called upon, fittingly coming on as a second-half substitute and helping Pep Guardiola’s side stage a 3-2 comeback win against Aston Villa to clinch the Premier League title. He delivered a fine assist for Rodri’s precise finish.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: Leaves a left-back, comes in a midfielder?
Oleksandr Zinchenko follows Gabriel Jesus’ footsteps in ditching the English champions for regular game time which they expect to get in their favoured positions under the former Manchester City assistant manager.
Arteta worked closely with Zinchenko at Man City and certainly has a good idea of his overall game. A central midfielder by trade, Zinchenko, however, has largely been used as a left-back by Pep Guardiola. But that may not be the case at Arsenal, with Kieran Tierney having established himself on the left flank of the defence.
Thus, the thought of regularly seeing the Ukrainian in the centre of the pitch in Arteta’s team is very much in the realms of possibility. Zinchenko has been hugely successful for his country in the centre of the pitch, wearing the armband and leading by example on the biggest stage. And the possibility of getting to fully express himself and take more responsibility on his shoulders will have swayed his decision-making no end.
Granit Xhaka may have improved as a player under Arteta but his petulant actions have often cost the Gunners momentum and consequently a lot of points over the years and he will now be under tremendous pressure to hold onto his position in the team.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, in that regard, would be a safer bet and give more defensive solidity than Xhaka, whilst being an ideal partner for Thomas Partey in Arteta’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system. With Nuno Tavares leaving on loan to Marseille for the upcoming season, it is possible the Gunners may not go desperately looking for a left-back addition and instead use Zinchenko to provide emergency cover in that area if the need arises.
All in all, the Ukraine international’s versatility is an asset, one which Arteta will look to use to great effect at the Emirates Stadium. At 24 years of age, he has yet to hit his peak, and at an initial fee of £30m might turn out to be a bargain for the Gunners.
