Manchester City and Arsenal have reportedly kicked off negotiations over a potential transfer for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The 25-year-old Ukraine international has been a regular in Pep Guardiola's first-team squad since 2017, but while he has won four Premier League medals in that time he has not been able to nail down a regular starting role for the Blues.
Despite playing as a midfielder for his country Zinchenko has secured the lion's share of his minutes for City at left-back, a role he has performed admirably. However, he is believed to be open to a move if it means he can get more minutes on the pitch as well as in his favoured position.
City are reportedly open to selling the man they bought for just £1.7m in 2016, although it's understood that Arsenal are yet to meet their valuation. Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella is one of City's targets this summer, and it's likely the Blues will double their efforts to sign him should they let Zinchenko go.
Despite only making 15 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, Zinchenko is an extremely popular member of the City squad among both fans and players. Judging by the responses of supporters on Twitter, the fanbase is split over the reports.
@ftblyousef_: If this actually happens, this window would be more of an L than a W. Would much rather have Zinchenko than Cucurella imo.
@J_Citizen1: We planning on selling all our players this summer?
@chrisholme1983: If that’s right then I’d imagine work has been started to bring in Cucurella. Zinchenko has done his job when called upon but I’d imagine he wants more game time. Good luck to him
@thecityzensfc: People will really be shocked at how good Zinchenko is..if played at his position he will show his great quality..this is one player l dont want us to lose
@Cathal248: If city get 40M for him I'd take it, average/good player but could be replaced with ease imo
@tyrellsuae: Every city player is a star in other club’s eyes
@Owen12472159: I think anyone has to remember that Zinchenko is a midfielder, being made to play LB and wants more game time. He is not getting in above Bernardo, Gundo or KDB in midfield, nor over Cancelo or Cucurella (if he signs). I like Zinchenko, but if he is not happy then I wish him luck
ALSO READ:
