According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have given Oleksandr Zinchenko permission to join Arsenal.
What’s the story?
Well, after missing out on Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United, Mikel Arteta and Edu swiftly turned their attention to an alternative in the Ukraine international.
Zinchenko – who worked with Arteta at the Etihad Stadium – is now supposedly closing in on a move to the Emirates Stadium, although the deal hinged on Pep Guardiola allowing him to depart.
Now, the reliable Romano has announced that the 25-year-old can leave, after Manchester City held internal discussions over the Ukrainian’s situation.
According to the Daily Mail, Zinchenko is now closing in on a £35m move to Arsenal.
Presumably, all that is left to sort out are personal terms and a medical for the versatile figure, who is capable of playing at left-back, as well as in the centre of midfield.
It comes after Everton also expressed an interest in Zinchenko, but he seems destined to joined the Gunners by all accounts.
Zinchenko’s big move to north London comes after he won his fourth Premier League title last season, making 28 appearances in all competitions while also providing five assists.
Oleksandr Zinchenko a better option for Arsenal than Lisandro Martinez
In our view, we’re not quite sure why Arsenal didn’t pursue a move for Zinchenko ahead of Martinez.
After all, the £59,000-a-week man has already adapted to the Premier League, having made 76 appearances in England’s top-flight for one of the greatest sides to ever grace the division.
In Martinez’s case, it remains to be seen if he will acclimatise to English football at Old Trafford.
The Argentina international is also costing Erik ten Hag £42m, so if Arsenal get their £35m deal for Zinchenko over the line, they will have signed a better option while also saving £7m.
In truth, if the Gunners can get Zinchenko to the Emirates Stadium, it could even turn out to be one of the signings of the summer, given his experience and the reasonable transfer fee.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as things are moving quickly.
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