Arsenal are ready to complete a move for Manchester City‘s versatile defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to reports.
The Gunners are looking for reinforcements as left-backs and are looking to bolster their midfield options.
The North London club was embroiled in a battle with… Manchester United for Lisandro Martinez, who can operate as a centre-back, left-back and midfield, but the Argentinian is poised to reunite with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
The Daily mail report that Zinchenko is expected to sign for City’s Gunners, with a deal to be agreed in the coming days.
Zinchenko is valued at around £35 million and the two clubs are currently in the process of negotiating a deal.
The Ukraine international’s versatility is a big plus for Mikel Arteta, as he is an option at left-back or midfield.
While Zinchenko was previously not sold on the idea of leaving Pep Guardiola’s side, the player wants more regular time.
The 25-year-old, who previously worked with Arteta at the Etihad Stadium, made just 15 top-level appearances for the Premier League champions last season.
Arsenal have had a busy summer, with Gabriel Jesus – also from City – signing alongside Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner.
Jesus has had a quick start with the Gunners, scoring a brace in a 5-3 pre-season friendly win over Nurnberg last weekend.
‘I am so, so proud. I am proud to be here with this great club,” the striker told Arsenal club media.
‘I did four or five days with the boys, and I want to thank everyone at Arsenal because they make me feel at home. Everyone talks, comes up to me and says “good luck, we’re glad you’re here”, and I’m happy to be here too. I feel at home there.’
“He’s all energy. You see his enthusiasm, he’s always smiling, he’s always talking to his team-mates and apart from that I think he brings a different level of desire, dedication and enthusiasm, so I think it’s really good,” said Arsenal boss Arteta about Jesus.
“That’s why we brought him here, to put the ball in the back of the net and of course for his confidence and for him to believe in what we are doing. I think it is very important and he has arranged it very well.
“I know him very well because I’ve worked with him before and I know there won’t be a problem there.”
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