Arsenal have been ‘weighing’ up a move for Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Gunners are known to be in the market for reinforcements at full-back and central midfield, and the versatile 25-year-old could provide cover and competition in both areas of the pitch.
What is the latest news involving Zinchenko?
David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Arsenal are now ‘working on a deal’ to sign Zinchenko after missing out on Lisandro Martinez, who has decided to join Manchester United.
It’s claimed that the two clubs ‘are in contact’ over a potential deal for the Ukraine international and that City are willing to sanction his sale if their valuation is met.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Zinchenko have previously worked together at the Etihad Stadium and are known to have maintained a close relationship since the former departed.
Zinchenko still has two years remaining on his contract at City, but if the north London outfit can reach an agreement with his current club and offer acceptable personal terms, then a switch appears to be on the cards.
The technically gifted ace would be the second player this summer to move from the blue half of Manchester to Arsenal with Gabriel Jesus already doing so.
What has Jones said about Zinchenko?
Jones believes that any deal could be worth ‘upwards of £30 million’ and that the ‘main issue’ in proceedings could be what position Zinchenko sees himself playing going forwards.
He told GiveMeSport: “Arsenal have been weighing this up and I was told earlier this summer that the deal could be worth upwards of £30 million.
“I think their main issue is that Zinchenko wants to become a central midfielder. His versatility is obviously key, though, and he would be a really good signing.”
Would Zinchenko be a good signing?
Since signing from Russian outfit Ufa back in 2016, Zinchenko has made 127 appearances for City, registering 14 goal contributions.
His trophy collection of four Premier League titles, one FA Cup crown and four League Cups is impressive, to say the least, and although he is far from a regular starter, he’s certainly made a telling contribution on the pitch.
As per FBref, Zinchenko has ranked in the 99th percentile for assists, progressive passes and progressive carries, 98th for pass completion, and the 96th for shot-creating actions amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Zinchenko regularly features in central midfield for his nation, and Arteta would surely be adding significant strength to his squad if he can secure the City player’s signature.