According to 90min, Oleksandr Zinchenko is now open to leaving Manchester City, with Arsenal, Everton and West Ham all interested in signing him.
What’s the story?
Well, it is said that the Gunners have made contact with the Ukraine international’s representatives, while the Toffees and the Hammers have also been in touch.
Manchester City are ready to open talks over a new contract, and while Zinchenko is currently happy at the Etihad Stadium, he would be open to leaving if the chance to play in midfield arises.
The 25-year-old has been used mostly as a left-back by Pep Guardiola, although he prefers to play in midfield.
Zinchenko has shone in that role for Ukraine, but with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad Stadium, he hasn’t been afforded many opportunities in that department for the Citizens.
Now, Mikel Arteta – who worked with Zinchenko in Manchester – could benefit from the situation, so too could Frank Lampard or David Moyes.
90min add that Manchester City value their No.11 in excess of £30m.
Should anyone meet that valuation, it would see the Citizens land a huge profit on the £1.7m they paid for Zinchenko back in 2016.
In 28 appearances across all competitions last season, the Ukrainian provided five assists as Manchester City won the Premier League title.
Forget Everton & West Ham, Zinchenko is perfect for Arsenal
In our view, Zinchenko should push for a move to Arsenal this summer – he would be an ideal signing for the Gunners.
Arteta currently has a lack of depth in midfield, with only Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Thomas Partey, Martin Ødegaard and Mohamed Elneny to choose from.
The Gunners also have issues at left-back with Kieran Tierney struggling to stay fit, while Nuno Tavares displayed an alarming lack of consistency in his debut season.
Of course, Zinchenko doesn’t want to play at left-back, although we believe he wouldn’t mind deputising for Tierney if the Scot does suffer more injuries.
By the sounds of it, Zinchenko just wants to be seen primarily as a midfielder who can cover at left-back, rather than the other way around.
Keep an eye on this situation – if Arteta gets his hands on the versatile Ukrainian, it could end up being one of the best signings of the summer.
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