Gareth Bale and Oleksandr Zinchenko were involved in an emotional affair between Wales and Ukraine on Sunday, but could the duo lock horns once again in Tottenham and Arsenal colours next season?
Wales beat Ukraine 1-0 in Cardiff in their World Cup play-off final, with the home side booking their ticket to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – their first since 1958.
After the game, many Ukrainian players, who wanted to bring some comfort to their home nation given Russia’s invasion of their country, were emotional out on the pitch.
Wales superstar Bale was seen comforting Manchester City midfielder Zinchenko and offering a few words, as you can see below.
WILL BALE RETURN TO TOTTENHAM? AND WILL ZINCHENKO SIGN FOR ARSENAL?
The two battled it out for their nations yesterday, but could they transfer that into the north London derby next season?
Bale is well aware of what it’s like to play in these games and to score in them, but he is being tipped to make a return to Tottenham this summer.
Whilst Mikel Arteta has heavily been linked with a number of Manchester City players in recent times, including Zinchenko.
The versatile player isn’t a regular under Pep Guardiola, but he does play him in the big games given his ability to occupy the left-back spot, wide areas and the middle of the pitch.
But if Arsenal came knocking for his services this summer, then it will be interesting to see if Man City accept what the Europa League-bound side has to offer and whether the player himself wants to leave.
Bale’s situation is a lot clearer… he simply needs a new club after leaving Real Madrid this summer – his contract will officially expire in June.
The obvious destination is Spurs because that’s where he last played when Wales were heading into a major tournament – the delayed Euro 2020s.
But would Bale suit Antonio Conte’s system and his highly-demanding ways? Well, Jose Mourinho was certainly happy to have Bale on board a number of seasons ago and his methods aren’t too different to what the Italian wants from his players.
Either way, it will be interesting to see if Zinchenko and Bale meet again on the pitch next season, but this time in Arsenal and Tottenham colours.
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