The Gunners have announced the signing of Manchester City full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City. According to Sky Sports, Arsenal paid 30 million pounds up front with a further 2 million in bonuses, with the Ukraine international signing a long-term contract at The Emirates.
The Ukrainian has already joined the Arsenal squad at their pre-season training camp in Orlando, and his squad number will be announced soon. The 25-year-old, who was coached by Mikel Arteta as an assistant to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, can play a variety of positions, including left-back and central midfield.
Arteta is said to be excited about the prospect of working with Zinchenko again and values his versatility as a player. The Gunners were looking for a left-sided defender and also tried to sign Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez, who joined Manchester United earlier in July.
Following the arrival of Zinchenko, Arteta told the club’s official website:
“We’re so happy Alex has joined us. He’s a player that I personally know really well and continued to follow him after my time at Manchester City.
“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.
Zinchenko joins former City teammate Gabriel Jesus at the Emirates after the Brazilian moved to north London earlier this month in a 45 million deal. Zinchenko is Arsenal’s fifth summer signing, joining Jesus, Marquinhos, Matt Turner, and Fabio Vieira.
Zinchenko spent six years at the Etihad after joining for 1.7 million from Ufa, making 128 appearances. During that time, he won four Premier League titles, including the last two seasons, as well as the FA Cup and four League Cups.
The new Arsenal star also appeared in the 2021 Champions League final, which City lost to Chelsea. He also has 52 caps for Ukraine and can play in either defence or midfield.
