Arsenal to Complete the Signing of City Defender Oleksandr Zinchenko

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arsenal, Manchester City

According to reports in London, Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko. All details have been agreed between all parties involved as the Ukrainian international will become the club’s fifth signing in this transfer window.

The Gunners kick-started the summer window by signing youngster Marquinhos from Sau Paolo, followed by Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira. USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner arrived from MLS outfit New England Revolution, who was already signed in January. Then, the club were successful in prising Gabriel Jesus away from Pep Guardiola’s side this summer with a deal worth around £45 million.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Manchester City, Arsenal — Image obtained via Instagram/@zinchenko_96

Manager Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his defence. Earlier this month, the North London outfit came up short with their transfer fee and subsequently failed in their attempt to reach an agreement for Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez, who signed for rivals Manchester United.

Having failed in signing the Argentine defender, Arsenal turned their attention towards Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City. The Spanish manager is said to be a great admirer of the player and the club are very close to finalising a move for the Ukrainian this summer.

As reported by Sky Sports, Arsenal have agreed a fee worth £32m with Manchester City for Oleksandr Zinchenko. The deal includes a £30m payment up front with £2m in achievable add-ons. Only the formalities need to be completed before the transfer is officially announced.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has signed his contract as new Arsenal player, valid until June 2026. ⚪️🔴✅ #AFC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2022

The 25-year-old left the City pre-season camp in Houston, Texas and travelled to Orlando to join undergo a medical before signing for the North London side. Arsenal Sporting Director Edu was also scheduled to travel to USA to finalise the transfer. Zinchenko and Edu were pictured together watching the club’s pre-season game against Orlando City.

Moreover, personal terms never seemed to be an issue as the defender-cum-midfielder signed a four-year contract running until 2026 with the Gunners. The player could take in Saturday’s pre-season game against Chelsea. The Arsenal camp is very excited to welcome the City left-back into the team, especially Arteta.

🗣 "He's here. Really happy to have him."

Mikel Arteta can't hide his excitement that Oleksandr Zinchenko has signed for Arsenal.

[@footballdaily].

pic.twitter.com/aAabkiVYdr

— AFCnewsroom (@TheAFCnewsroom) July 21, 2022

Oleksandr Zinchenko began his senior career with Russian Premier League team Ufa, making a total of 33 appearances for them (stats via Transfermarkt) before joining Manchester City in 2016. Since his debut for the Cityzens, the Ukrainian has added four Premier League titles, four League Cups and an FA Cup to his trophy cabinet under Pep Guardiola.

Spending just over six years with the English side, the Ukraine international has made a total of 128 appearances for the Citizens (stats via Transfermarkt). He concluded the 2021-22 season with 28 appearances across all competitions, acquiring five assists (stats via Transfermarkt) in that time.

The 25-year-old was also coached by Arteta when the Spaniard served as the assistant to City boss Pep Guardiola. Therefore, now Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta is keen on being reunited with his former player. Oleksandr Zinchenko moving to the Emirates is imminent and they might announce the deal on Friday.

However, we still have to wait for confirmation from the North London club themselves – who are constantly looking for players in this transfer window so that they have a strong enough squad to clinch a Champions League spot this time.

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