Craig Burley has claimed that if Arsenal secure the transfer of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, then he will be a ‘terrific’ signing for the club, as he told ESPN.
The former Scotland international added that Zinchenko will also ‘help the playing squad’ at the Champions League-chasing side if his rumoured transfer goes through.
Arsenal have already added Gabriel Jesus to their books and now they are knocking on Manchester City’s door once again.
Mikel Arteta is using his past connections to full use, with claims that Pep Guardiola wants to add Brighton fullback, Marc Cucurella, to his squad if Zinchenko leaves for north London.
A number of big names have departed the Etihad club this summer, including Raheem Sterling joining Chelsea, as Burley shared his thoughts on the possible Zinchenko transfer.
“It’s going to help the playing squad and I think that’s the most important thing,” said Burley. “They (Jesus and Zinchenko) are surplus (to requirements), in terms of they are disposal as an asset to Manchester City.
“But they have been brilliant for the club. It’s their manager, it’s Guardiola’s pursuit of perfection that means one or two he will allow to go, like Raheem Sterling, who has been a magnificent contributor to that manager and that club.
“You go back to Zinchenko and if they can make this happen, it just gives them so many options because he has been a terrific left-back. He can play in the middle of the park as he does for Ukraine and does it very well.
“Also, Arsenal have had a problem on that left side. Kieran Tierney is a terrific player. But I think Arsenal have a concern about his constant injuries. If Tierney stays fit, it gives Arsenal an option, if they want to go to a back three.
“It gives Arsenal much more options, in terms of that left-hand side, so I think those two would be terrific signings for Arsenal, especially if they can get the Zinchenko one done.”
WHERE WILL ZINCHENKO PLAY?
It’s going to be interesting to see how Arteta uses the Ukraine international because he can play at left-back, on the wing and in the middle of the park.
Kieran Tierney is Arsenal’s undisputed left-back, but the Scotsman has had his fair share of injuries, and with the Gunners returning to Europe, he might struggle to play twice a week.
Whilst Arsenal’s midfield is jam-packed, including the arrival of Fabio Vieira from Porto this summer, it could be argued that Zinchenko might be of best use in the middle of the park.
He has outstanding technical ability, he is a brilliant counter-presser and his passing ability won’t be matched by many current Arsenal players.
Nonetheless, after missing out on Champions League football last term, Arteta is once again being backed by those in the boardroom, as he can’t afford to mess up again.
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