Oleksandr Zinchenko admits he knew Mikel Arteta would be a "very good manager" from their first encounter at Manchester City.
Zinchenko, 25, completed his £32million move from Man City to Arsenal on Friday evening. The Ukraine international has signed a long-term deal at the Emirates and is expected to be involved in the team's friendly against Chelsea in Florida this weekend.
Arteta and Zinchenko worked with each other at Man City during the Spaniard's time as Pep Guardiola's assistant between July 2016 and December 2019. He left the Etihad to become Arsenal manager and is aiming to lead the club back into the Champions League.
Speaking to Arsenal's website in his first interview as a Gunners player, Zinchenko revealed how Arteta persuaded him to leave the Etihad for the Emirates. Several Premier League clubs were reportedly interested in the versatile player, including West Ham.
"I would say it’s the most important role in my decision because I’ve known Mister [Arteta] for a while, I used to work with him at Manchester City," said Zinchenko. "Since the first day at City I knew that he’s going to be a very good manager.
"The way he can see football, especially I was watching the last season of Arsenal’s games and I was really enjoying it. You can see in the style, the picture of the game, so I would love to see it [while] playing and being involved."
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On his relationship with Arteta, Zinchenko added: "The way we were working together, I was so impressed because I remember how many times we were working hard in the training sessions and then straight after with individual stuff and I took a lot from the manager and I hope I can take even more."
Zinchenko is the second player to leave Man City for Arsenal this summer. Brazil international Gabriel Jesus has also completed the switch. "To be honest we are close to each other and I love him so much," said Zinchenko on his friendship with Jesus.
"He’s my big friend and I would like to say he was also involved in the discussions and all these things, so he’s told me a lot of good things about this amazing club and about this atmosphere, and the guys and everyone here, so I’m really impressed and so excited."
Zinchenko made 128 appearances for Man City and won nine major trophies, including four Premier League titles. He is an attacking midfielder by trade but can also be deployed in the middle of the park or at left-back, offering Arteta plenty of options.
"We’re so happy Alex has joined us," said Arteta. "He’s a player that I personally know really well and continued to follow him after my time at Manchester City. Alex is a high quality player who will give us options and versatility.
"It's not only about the positions he can play but as well, the versatility he will give us in attack and defence. Alex is a person with great human qualities and character, and I’m delighted that everyone has made this huge effort to bring Alex to the club."
