Nedum Onuoha has claimed that Arsenal’s potential next signing, Oleksandr Zinchenko, ‘got lost’ at times within Manchester City’s squad, as he told ESPN.
But the former Manchester City defender added that Zinchenko, just like Gabriel Jesus, will ‘help Arsenal’s cause’ and bring in a much-needed ‘winning mindset’.
Both Arsenal and Manchester City have agreed on a £30 million fee for the 25-year-old – if Zinchenko signs, then he will be the club’s fifth purchase of the window.
After missing out on Champions League football last season, and that by shooting themselves in the foot, Mikel Arteta has started to add proven winners to his squad.
ESPN pundit Onuoha thinks someone like Zinchenko will help change the mindset in north London because of the environment he is coming from.
“I think they are players that will help the (Arsenal’s) cause,” said Onuoha. “For Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus, they were at Manchester City for a lot of years. And they have contributed to the success Manchester City have had along the way.
“So, I can’t really say that they are surplus. But I think at Manchester City, this squad can be so deep sometimes that some people can get lost within it. I think, at times, those two were that.
“But to put some respect on Zinchenko’s name, I think it was a year ago and he was playing in the Champions League final and played in the semi-final against PSG, so he was trusted. So, I wouldn’t say he is bit-part player. The same for Jesus as well.
“I think them going to Arsenal. I think seeing winners come through the door, in my opinion, was always exciting because you kind of want to know how they did it. How Man City are doing things to maybe see what you can do yourself, so they are bringing good experiences and positive mindsets.”
BAD NEWS FOR NUNO TAVARES
The Zinchenko signing isn’t good news for the 2021 summer signing, Nuno Tavares, because it pushes him further down the pecking order.
Whilst Tavares started life in a strong fashion in Arsenal colours, during the second half of the campaign, it started to go pretty wrong for him.
Even when Kieran Tierney was injured and the Gunners needed a bonafide left-back to step in, Arteta opted for other options, which sent out a clear signal to the player.
Now, Zinchenko has arrived on the scene and if Tierney isn’t starting at left-back, then it’s going to be the Ukraine international, who can also operate in the middle of the park.
Either way, Arsenal have done well so far to bulk up their squad this summer ahead of their return to Europe next season.
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