Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Man City | Soccer

The Spain manager has made a high-profile striker his top priority and is trying to lure Gabriel Jesus to north London, with the champions poised to capitalize on a player with just one year left on his contract – specifically with Erling Haaland joining.
But there are other areas in Arsenal’s squad that need to be addressed as Arteta looks for a new central midfielder and a backup left-back.
The Ukrainian was originally signed as a central midfielder – where he continues to play for the national team – but was moved to left-back by Pep Guardiola.
However, Arteta believes Zinchenko’s best position remains in midfield and hopes the promise to play in his preferred role could be enough to convince him to give up Champions League football and join the Emirates .
Like Jesus, Zinchenko was on good terms with Arteta when the Spaniard worked as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
Of the 25-year-old’s 28 appearances this season in all competitions, the vast majority have come at left-back and that would provide the cover Arteta is looking for, with the Gunners reluctant to fork out much of their budget on someone who would only be Kieran Tierney’s replacement – especially since they already have Nuno Tavares in that role.
As with Jesus, Guardiola will not stand in Zinchenko’s way if he asks for a move – provided the terms of the deal are acceptable.
Arsenal aren’t the only club interested in the versatile defender and midfielder, however, while they also face significant competition for Jesus – not least from north London rivals Tottenham.
City, meanwhile, are looking to sign Marc Cucurella from Brighton and the departure of Zinchenko would not only free up a place in the squad for the Spaniard but also provide funds for his transfer fee.
MORE : Arsenal signing Marquinhos has issued a legal threat from Wolves
MORE : ‘He’s Arsenal or Tottenham’ – Marcus Rashford ‘not good enough’ for Manchester United, says Jamie Carragher
For more stories like this, visit our sports page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
https://metro.co.uk/2022/05/26/arsenal-boss-mikel-arteta-wants-to-sign-man-citys-oleksandr-zinchenko-16720434/ Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Man City | Soccer