Arsenal open talks with Manchester City for Oleksandr Zinchenko after the Gunners missed out on Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez.
Zinchenko, who joined City for £1.7 million in 2016, has made 128 appearances and won 10 trophies with the Sky Blues, including four Premier League crowns.
The 25-year-old made 28 appearances for the Blues during their most recent title-winning season, assisting on five goals in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Zinchenko has mostly played left-back under Pep Guardiola, commencing with the Champions League Final loss to Chelsea in 2021 and the semi-final triumph against Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the Ukrainian has been linked with a transfer away from the Etihad Stadium, with Arsenal and Everton also keen in the versatile midfielder.
Mikel Arteta has already bought striker Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City this summer, despite the fact that the Arsenal manager is now said to be in discussions with another Premier League champion to bring to the Emirates.
According to David Ornstein, the Gunners and the Blues are in talks over a potential transfer to North London for the 25-year-old, while Arsenal works on a deal to sign Zinchenko.
City, who have already traded Jesus and Raheem Sterling this summer, are said to be willing to sell the Ukraine captain provided the club’s value is fulfilled.
Zinchenko might be one of four Blues players to travel to London this summer, after Chelsea’s agreement in principle for defender Nathan Ake – albeit the Sky Blues are looking for a replacement before authorizing any transfer.
Guardiola has already welcomed Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips, and Stefan Ortega to the club this summer, and is said to be looking for a left-back.
Marc Cucurella of Brighton has been heavily connected with the Premier League champions, but the Seagulls are anticipated to want roughly £50 million for the Catalan full-back.
Regarding Zinchenko, City’s value of the player is unknown, however The Athletic reports that it has yet to be met and that discussions between the two parties are ongoing.
Mikel Arteta has a history with the Etihad Stadium.
The 40-year-old was a member of Guardiola’s coaching team at Manchester City before departing as an Assistant Manager to take over as Arsenal manager after Unai Emery was fired.
Since joining the Cityzens from Russian club Ufa in 2016, Zinchenko has made 99 starts.
In light of the unfortunate circumstances in his home Ukraine, the agile full-back has also become a noteworthy and inspirational figure to many.
