Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is heading to Arsenal, with an official statement from the club imminent. He has been described as “perfect for Arsenal”.
With personal terms and a fee agreed, the transfer of the Ukraine international to North London is all but completed. It is reported that Arsenal will pay in the region of £30 million to secure Zinchenko’s services.
Oleksandr Zincheko Heading to Arsenal According to Pep Guardiola
Arsenal’s Busy Summer
With an official statement from the club likely imminent, Zinchenko looks to be on the verge of becoming Arsenal’s fifth signing this summer. The club have been busy after finishing the 2021/22 season fifth in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on the final Champions League spot.
Mikel Arteta, who previously coached Zinchecko during his time as a coach at City, will be looking to avoid disappointment in the upcoming campaign and the transfer activity so far looks like he means business.
Zinchenko will join former Manchester City teammate Gabriel Jesus who moved to the Emirates earlier in the summer for £45 million. The North-London club have also brought in talented FC Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira who will add some creativity to the midfield.
Where Will Zinchenko Line Up?
As a versatile player, Zinchecnko is capable of lining up in several positions. Guardiola preferred to deploy the 25-year-old as a left-back, although he regularly plays for his national team as a central midfielder.
However, in Guardiola’s possession-based system the full-backs will often be tasked with joining in the attack down the flanks or even drifting inside to help the midfield. This is where Zinchenko’s versatility comes in handy as he is capable of doing both very well.
Zinchecko ranks in the 99th percentile among fellow full-backs in the top five leagues for both progressive carries and progressive passes with 8.02 and 9.30 per 90 minutes respectively. The left-footer also ranks in the 98th percentile for both passes attempted and pass completion percentages. Therefore, Arsenal will not only be getting a versatile player but also one that is excellent at pushing the ball up the field.
With Kieran Tierney likely retaining the left full-back spot, it’s most likely that Arteta will be looking to use Zinchenko in the midfield where his ball progression will come in handy alongside ball-winning midfielders like Thomas Partey or Granit Xhaka. However, his versatility will also mean that he can cover at left-back to give Tierney, who missed 12 games during the 2021/22 season, some rest if needed.
Arsenal are now discussing personal terms with Oleksandr Zinchenko as negotiations with Manchester City are progressing well. 🚨🇺🇦 #AFC
Arsenal want to be fast on this deal, Arteta is pushing. Work in progress. pic.twitter.com/AKGtqnuGdO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2022
