The couple worked together at Manchester City for more than three years, with the player arriving just a day later than the coach when both joined the club in July 2016.
Zinchenko was immediately loaned to PSV Eindhoven before returning to City and gradually making a first-team presence, of which he was a full part when Arteta left for Arsenal in December 2019.
An agreement has reportedly been reached for the 25-year-old to join him in North London and his versatility would be a key asset in Arteta’s decision to make the switch.
Pep Guardiola has played Zinchenko mostly as a left-back, while he is central midfield for his country.
Arsenal could use some cover on the wing, given Nuno Tavares’ struggle in position since his arrival last summer plus Kieran Tierney’s injury problems. The Gunners also missed reported target Aaron Hickey, who signed for Brentford.
Tierney would likely remain the first choice for the new season if he is fit, but the Zinchenko acquisition would allow Arteta to keep the central tie of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey together, or bring in new signing Fabio Vieira for a more offensive view.
Should Zinchenko be deployed in midfield, his left-footed disposition would likely lead to Xhaka – who is sometimes seen as a dependability by Gunners fans – coming out for nearly leaving Arsenal in the past.
Arteta has plenty of options in the middle of the park, but Zinchenko, who offers a more defensive outlet, would allow Vieira and Martin Odegaard to compete for the attacking midfielder role behind Gabriel Jesus.
It is plausible, but it is unlikely that Arteta would place Zinchenko on the left side of midfield or the center of defense unless forced to.