Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Kadeem Simmonds

Arsenal can offer Oleksandr Zinchenko original Premier League shirt number during transfer talks

Arsenal could offer Oleksandr Zinchenko one of his most worn numbers should he sign for the north London outfit this summer.

Zinchenko has been linked with a move from Man City to the Gunners in the upcoming transfer window, the player is currently valued between £17.8million-£25.6m by CIES. And his impressive showing in Ukraine's 3-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Scotland on Wednesday night further showed why the north London outfit are one of a number of clubs trying to sign him.

The Ukrainian has spent the majority of his time at the Etihad Stadium playing left-back but is arguably better playing in the middle of the park, an area the Gunners will be keen on improving despite handing Mohamed Elneny a one-year deal with an option of a further 12 months at the end of the season.

READ MORE: Arsenal news: Bukayo Saka contract update as Gunners handed Cody Gakpo transfer boost

With a host of other Premier League clubs in for the 25-year-old, Mikel Arteta's side will want every advantage possible in order to sign Zinchenko and one could come in the form of what number he would wear at the Emirates Stadium. Unfortunately for all parties involved, the 11 Zinchenko currently sports at City has just been nabbed by Gabriel Martinelli - who made the switch from 35.

The reason behind the full-back wearing a number associated with left-wingers was that it 'historically has been associated with left-sided players' at the club and that his 'technical proficiency ensured he was comfortable at both full-back and in a more advanced position,' according to City's official website when he made the switch.

But 35 is the number the versatile player was assigned when he first signed for City back in 2016. With the shirt up for grabs, it would make sense for Mikel Arteta and Edu to offer him something he is familiar with and has had recent success with the aforementioned Martinelli.

With 17 being out of the question due to Cedric staying at the club next season, Zinchenko wears 17 when representing Ukraine, 35 looks to be the best option for the Ukrainian to wear at the Emirates next season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.