Arsenal are wasting no time in laying their plans for the upcoming summer transfer market. The Gunners missed out on a top-fourth by two points and now want to add more quality to continue fighting for the same. Journalist Charles Watts has now confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko. However, the Ukrainian has emerged as a surprise target for the North Londoners. But Arsenal are now ready to up their interest in Zinchenko according to Watts.
Watts, who works as the Arsenal correspondent for GOAL suggests that interest from the club in Zinchenko is genuine. However, he also claimed that the talks are still in the initial stages and nothing is advanced as such. Meanwhile, Arsenal also have another City man on their radar in Gabriel Jesus. It seems the Gunners are exploring the options of a double deal is possible. Moreover, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already worked with Zinchenko at City and is keen on a reunion.
What has Watts said about Arsenal pursuing Zinchenko
Charles Watts while talking on his YouTube channel said,
Current Premier League Standings
“This is a really interesting one, now Arsenal are interested in Oleksandr Zinchenko. Certainly from people you speak to up in the north, in and around Manchester City, there has been interest expressed by Arsenal in Zinchenko. Now that’s all it is at the moment – it is interest, it hasn’t gone any further than that.”
Zinchenko has consistently performed for City since joining them in 2016. The Ukrainian has played an impressive 128 games for the English champions till now. Zinchenko has 2 goals and 12 assists to show for those 128 appearances. However, the most attractive part of the 25-year-old’s game is his versatility. Zinchenko can play as a left-back as well as a central midfielder. This would help Arsenal cover two of their crucial positions. Left-back Keiran Tierney’s injury issues seem to be never-ending and Nuno Tavares has found it difficult to adapt to the Premier League. Zinchenko could solve Arsenal’s left-back problems if the Gunners land him.
Thomas Partey is another Arsenal man who has had recurring injuries of late. Zinchenko’s ability to play as a central midfielder could help Arsenal here as well. Moreover, Zinchenko has 76 Premier League games under his belt, to add to his 4 league titles with City. At 25, Zinchenko is approaching his prime which could massively benefit a young Arsenal side. His market value stands at £22.5 million and has a contract that runs till 2024, but if City are to part ways with him they would certainly demand more.
Nonetheless, Watts’ comments clearly indicate that the talks have just begun of a possible deal. There is a long way to go before Zinchenko signs for Arsenal. But Arsenal for sure are on the right track with their summer plans.
Follow us on Twitter for more football updates.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Youtube.
