Arsenal are willing to offer Oleksandr Zinchenko the opportunity to play in his preferred position in midfield at the Emirates Stadium.
Zinchenko's versatility makes him an attractive proposition for the Gunners who are seeking cover at left-back and central midfield. The Ukraine international has the ability to play in both of these positions - as well as in attack, but played predominantly at left-back during his time at Manchester City despite his preference for a midfield role.
The Gunners are willing to play Zinchenko in midfield according to reports, with his defensive and technical qualities making him an ideal candidate to challenge Granit Xhaka for a starting spot in Mikel Arteta's team. The north Londoners were pursuing a deal for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, who offers a similar versatility as Zinchenko, but Manchester United are set to sign the Argentina international after agreeing a £46million deal with the Eredivisie champions.
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According to the Evening Standard, part of Arsenal’s proposal to the Ukrainian star involves using him to provide competition for the Kieran Tierney and Granit Xhaka. The Gunners face competition from Premier League rivals West Ham, but the north Londoners are ahead in the race to sign the 25-year-old this summer due to their offer of regular game time in midfield.
The Athletic reported that Arsenal are focusing on securing a deal for Zinchenko and are in talks with City to sign him, and the current Premier League champions are open to selling if their valuation is met. The Ukraine international has made a total of 127 appearances for City, scoring twice and providing 12 assists, acting mainly as a back-up option.
Pep Guardiola will not stand in Zinchenko’s way should he wish to leave the Etihad Stadium in search of regular game time. The 25-year-old played in 15 Premier League games last season, starting just 10 times, despite being regarded as one of the most technically gifted players at City by teammate Kyle Walker.
The Ukraine international could follow Gabriel Jesus to the Emirates Stadium from the Etihad Stadium and be reunited with Mikel Arteta this summer.
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