Arsenal Reportedly In Talks With Girona Winger Viktor Tsygankov

According to latest reports in Spain, Arsenal have made contact to sign Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov in the summer transfer window. Manager Mikel Arteta is looking to bring in a forward to boost his attacking line and the Ukrainian has emerged as a potential target.

The Israel-born Viktor Tsygankov started his youth career with Nyva Vinnytsia in 2009 and played there till 2010. At the age of 14, he moved to Ukraine and gained Ukrainian citizenship. He joined the youth setup at Dynamo Kyiv in 2011 and was promoted to the senior team in 2016.

The 26-year-old made 236 appearances for the Ukrainian club, scoring 94 goals and chalking up 64 assists in the process (Stats via Transfermarkt). In January 2023, he signed with La Liga club Girona on a four-and-a-half year deal. He had an impressive 2023-24 campaign, accumulating 8 goals and 7 assists in 30 league appearances (Stats via Transfermarkt).

Now, as reported by Spanish publication AS (via Metro), Arsenal have approached Girona attacker Viktor Tsygankov over a summer move to the Emirates. The Gunners have established contact with the representatives of the player to discuss a potential transfer.

The report claims that the prospect of steady Champions League football is greatly appealing to the Ukrainian international. Moreover, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is enamoured by the winger’s skills and believes the forward would be a great addition to his squad.

🚨🌗 | AC Milan and Arsenal have inquired about Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov with his agents. He has a release clause of €30M. @diarioas 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/Ct5DpvO3qm

— Milan Matters (@MilanMatters) June 4, 2024

However, the North Londoners will face tough competition for the player’s signature, as per the Spanish publication. AC Milan have also initiated contact with the 26-year-old’s entourage over a potential move. PL rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in securing his services.

Meanwhile, Girona don’t want to lose the attacker and hope to keep hold of their asset beyond this summer. The La Liga club had already started making efforts to hold onto the Ukrainian in January, offering him a new contract which would include a higher release clause.

However, both parties are yet to reach an agreement. So, it is understandable that he is a target for many big clubs, especially given his performances and skills. Tsygankov current contract with Girona runs till June 2027 which also includes a release clause of €30m.

Viktor Tsygankov the winger linked to Arsenal

What do you think fam pic.twitter.com/vPRlaRo1A0

— 𝖦𝗈𝖽𝖼𝗁𝗂 (@_goatnelli) June 5, 2024

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old has no intention of forcing his way out of the Spanish club. Viktor Tsygankov expressed his views over the reported interest he is attracting from top European clubs including Arsenal. Speaking in an interview with AS (via Give Me Sport), he said:

“All players dream big, they want to play in big clubs, top leagues. I’m not unique in this.

‘Since I was young I wanted to play at a high level and of course, I like that there are important clubs in Europe looking out for me. I don’t really know what will happen. In football, anything can happen.

‘Maybe I was able to play my last game, but I don’t know what will happen to my future. Girona has given me a lot and I am very grateful. Furthermore, my family is very happy here and I am very comfortable.

‘If I’m still here in Girona, perfect because I’m very happy and I enjoy what I do. If in the end the future says that I have to leave, I want to do it through the front door.”

Currently, the Girona winger is focusing on the 2024 European Championship with the Ukrainian national team. There are high expectations from him, given his recent exploits and he will want to go deep into the tournament.

Meanwhile, the Gunners as well as other European clubs will be keeping close tabs on the winger and his performance. It will help them make a final decision on whether to go all in for the Ukrainian attacker or look at other options.

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