Emile Smith-Rowe has told Sky Sports that the Arsenal squad never know when the club are about to make a signing until it is announced – when asked about reports the club are reportedly close to landing Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Zinchenko, 25, is set to join the Gunners from Manchester City. Reports claim that the Ukraine international is about to undergo a medical in USA before linking up with his new teammates. A move is expected to cost £30million.
A squad player at Manchester City, the left-footed star only managed 28 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side last season. With his contract at City expiring in 2024, the Premier League champions are seemingly open to his exit.
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Arsenal do have options at left-back in Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares, but there are doubts regarding both players. Smith-Rowe was asked about reports the club are close to signing Zinchenko, and kept his cards close to his chest.
“To be fair, we never know anything until it’s announced. We don’t actually hear anything. But it is always exciting to hear it when it all comes out. We never know, we’re waiting for it come up on the TV and then that’s when we know.”
Smith-Rowe asked about reports Arsenal are signing Zinchenko
As stated, Arsenal do have Tierney and Tavares. But Scottish defender Tierney has been plagued by injury since joining Arsenal. Tavares joined the club last summer but struggled, and has interest from the likes of Marseille and Atalanta.
So, the need for a left-back with Arsenal in the Europa League is great. Indeed, the addition of Zinchenko could see Tavares depart, while he may also contribute in the middle of the park – where he plays for Ukraine.
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