Arsenal fans have been eagerly awaiting for news to drop after transfer links went relatively quiet recently, but their patience finally paid off earlier today.
That's because The Athletic is reporting that the club have identified Oleksandr Zinchenko as a priority and are now in talks to sign him from Manchester City after missing out on Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
It's believed that The Gunners held serious interest in the Argentinian before Erik ten Hag's Manchester United came in and eventually met the increasing financial demands that were set.
READ MORE: Arsenal in talks with Manchester City over Oleksandr Zinchenko amid failed Lisandro Martinez bid
Initially viewed as a setback to Mikel Arteta's summer plans, the disappointment over the failure to bring in Martinez has swiftly been forgotten among Arsenal supporters as their reaction to the Zinchenko news on Twitter and Reddit clearly shows.
@TheGymGooner: 'YESSSSS!!! THIS IS A GAME CHANGER!!! absolute baller so underrated so versatile, knows the league and has WON it! he’ll know Jesus’s movements - ZINCHENKO is a much much better signing than Martinez!'
u/glmg21: 'A proven PL talent that can play (comfortably) in two of our most in-need areas? GET IT DONE GASPAR.'
u/lordwelbz2: 'Would fit perfectly into what Arteta wants with his fullbacks, also a cheeky midfield option. Hope this gets done.'
u/meftical: 'Yes please, I’ve been hoping for this over Lisandro as our versatile LB/CM type. Ticks so many boxes.'
u/NiallMitch10: 'Excellent news - think it would be a very solid addition to left back and midfield options. I guess we went for Martinez over him due to the CB cover as well but ah well.'
u/catlike1: 'Would be great. Can play as a sort of inverted left back and also in midfield (as he does for Ukraine). High technical ability. Also shows Arteta definitely has a plan for the left side of the lineup, as we've immediately targeted Zinchenko after failing to land Martinez. They can both do some similar things.'
u/Reagansmash1994: 'I actually preferred Zinchenko as an option when there were rumblings early in the window. PL proven, LB proven and can play multiple positions and has worked with Arteta. Don't get me wrong, Martinez would have been great, but Zinchenko is a proven prem quantity with a PL winning mindset. Would be good to see what he can do with us.'
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