Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that amid links to Arsenal, Oleksandr Zinchenko is open to the idea of leaving Manchester City – but only if it is as a midfield option.
Zinchenko has reportedly caught the eye of Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and the Gunners are keen to bring him through the door at the Emirates Stadium in the summer transfer window. However, the Gunners have competition from fellow Premier League outfit West Ham United.
The 25-year-old Ukraine international has maybe not featured as regularly for Manchester City as he would have hoped for this past season, as he made 15 appearances in the Premier League, with just 10 coming from the start.
With the reports stating that Arsenal are interested in Zinchenko, Bailey spoke on The Chronicles of a Gooner podcast and claimed that he is open to the idea of leaving City, but has a desire to play in the centre of midfield as he has previously for his nation.
Bailey said: “He’s just basically open to the idea of going as long as his midfield ambitions are met. The way he plays for Ukraine in the centre, he’s a wonderfully talented centre-midfielder, he really is.”
Would Zinchenko be a good option for Arsenal?Yes
No
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TIF Thoughts on Bailey’s comments…
Arsenal fell at the final hurdle last season when it came to qualifying for the Champions League when they finished just two points behind north London rivals Spurs. The Gunners could have attracted a higher level of player if they did finish in the top four, but they instead have to settle for the Europa League.
Zinchenko, who was labelled as ‘frightening’ by Aston Villa journalist Gregg Evans when the Villans played Manchester City on the final day of the previous season, has not had a massive role to play at City since signing, so he might be inclined to move somewhere he can play regularly in his favoured position.
And with Arsenal looking to recruit and strengthen their squad, he could be a good option for Arteta.