Zinchenko to Arsenal: New signing solves two major problems for Arteta
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 22 Jul 2022 18:32 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal have completed the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City and the Ukraine international is a devastating piece of transfer business for the Gunners.
Head coach Mikel Arteta, who previously worked with he 25-year-old at the Etihad Stadium, is seeking to reconnect with a figure that he knows well.
Speaking after Arsenal signed Zinchenko, Arteta said: "Alex is a high quality player who will give us options and versatility. It's not only about the positions he can play but as well, the versatility he will give us in attack and defence."
The Gunners have already successfully negotiated with their Premier League rivals this summer to sign Gabriel Jesus and it appears that relationship helped push through the deal for Zinchenko.
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Zinchenko's versatility would help Arsenal kill two birds with one stone as they were in the market for both a wing-back and a midfielder, making the Ukrainian's arrival a shrewd deal.
Zinchenko transfer could save Arsenal millions
Firstly, Zinchenko represents a clear alternative to Kieran Tierney at left-back. While the Scot has generally impressed since joining the Emirates side, he has proven to be frustratingly injury prone and Arteta wants an alternative to him in that position.
Zinchenko, who featured in only 15 Premier League matches for Man City last season, would offer not only capable cover but serious competition. Given Tierney’s unreliability physically, this is just what Arsenal need.
But the Gunners have another area where they are seeking more depth: the centre of midfield.
Zinchenko may be primarily known for his ability on the left side of defence in the Premier League, but when playing for Ukraine, he is deployed in the centre of the pitch. He is hugely effective in that area as it allows him to exploit his capacity for progressive passing, something that he excels at. Moreover, he has the stamina and the technical ability to slot in this role.
Indeed, it may well be that Arteta sees him as an alternative solution in the heart of the midfield, where Arsenal have also been looking at the likes of Youri Tielemans and Lucas Paqueta.
Zinchenko, therefore, could be used as a perfect solution for Arsenal either in defence or midfield, and this versatility could save the club millions.
